iPhone Air: ultra-thin 5.6 mm phone, price, specs, date

TL;DR:

Apple announced iPhone Air on September 9, 2025. Preorders start September 12, release September 19.
It is 5.6 mm thin with a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield 2.
6.5-inch Super Retina XDR with 120 Hz ProMotion and 3,000 nits peak.
Runs A19 Pro with new N1 wireless and C1X modem. eSIM only.
Starts at $999 for 256 GB in four colors. Battery aim is all-day.

Apple unveiled the iPhone Air during its September keynote on September 9, 2025. Apple positions it as a new, ultra-thin member of the iPhone 17 family. Preorders open Friday, September 12, with availability on Friday, September 19 in more than 60 countries.

The elevator pitch

iPhone Air focuses on thinness without dropping performance. It uses a titanium frame, a redesigned internal layout, and Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and back for better scratch resistance and crack protection. Apple says it still delivers all-day battery life.

Key specs at a glance

Area	iPhone Air details
Thickness	5.6 mm, thinnest iPhone yet
Display	6.5-inch Super Retina XDR, 120 Hz ProMotion, 3,000 nits peak
Chip	A19 Pro + N1 wireless + C1X modem
Cameras	48 MP Fusion main with 2x optical-quality crop, 18 MP Center Stage selfie
Battery claim	All-day, with new Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, 5G with Apple C1X modem
SIM	eSIM only, global
Colors	Space black, cloud white, light gold, sky blue
Storage	256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB
Dates	Preorder Sep 12, on sale Sep 19
Price	From $999 (US)

All items above are taken from Apple’s announcement.

Screen, design, and durability

The 6.5-inch panel supports ProMotion up to 120 Hz, then drops to 1 Hz for Always-On use. Apple quotes 3,000 nits peak outdoors for better visibility. The frame is grade 5 titanium with a polished finish. Ceramic Shield 2 adds a new coating that improves scratch resistance by 3x and cuts reflections. Ceramic Shield now also covers the back, which Apple says improves crack resistance.

Cameras and video

Apple gives the Air a 48 MP Fusion main camera that offers popular 28 mm and 35 mm framings and a 2x optical-quality crop. Portraits gain Focus Control so you can adjust depth after capture. The new 18 MP Center Stage selfie camera widens the view for group shots and supports dual-camera video that records front and rear at once. Video reaches 4K60 in Dolby Vision with wind-noise reduction and spatial audio capture.

Silicon and connectivity

Inside, A19 Pro handles performance and on-device AI tasks. The new N1 wireless chip enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread for smart-home use. A new Apple-designed C1X modem powers 5G and is billed as faster and more efficient than Apple’s prior modem generation.

eSIM only, worldwide

To save space, the Air ships with no physical SIM tray. Apple highlights improved security and easier travel setup, with support from hundreds of carriers and streamlined eSIM onboarding in iOS 26. If you rely on physical SIM swaps, plan ahead with your carrier.

Price, colors, and storage

The phone starts at $999 in the U.S. with 256 GB of storage. 512 GB and 1 TB options are available. Colors include space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue.

How it compares in the lineup

Analysts and day-one reports frame the Air as the thin, design-first option that sits between iPhone 17 and the Pro line on price. It targets buyers who want a light phone but still care about a high refresh display and strong silicon. Early coverage also notes the trade-offs, such as a slimmer battery and a simpler camera loadout than Pro.

\Pros and cons for buyers

Pros

Thinnest and lightest modern iPhone, easier to pocket.
120 Hz ProMotion and 3,000-nit outdoor brightness.
New selfie camera and dual-capture video for creators.
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, and Apple modem for 5G.

Cons

eSIM only, which may require carrier changes for some users.
Camera system is simpler than Pro models. Early hands-on note this gap.

Buying advice by user type

Travelers: eSIM makes roaming easier. The thin body pairs well with a slim Qi2 or MagSafe battery if you expect heavy days.
Students and creators: Dual-capture video and the brighter screen help with quick content. If you need long zoom, look at Pro Max.
Upgraders from iPhone 13 or older: You gain 120 Hz, better cameras, and longer support. Compare prices with iPhone 17 if you want two rear lenses.

Why it matters

Apple added a new form factor to the iPhone line. A very thin, 120 Hz model at $999 gives clear choice for people who value comfort and style but still want high-end silicon. It also pushes carriers to expand eSIM support in more markets.

Quick checklist before you order

Confirm your carrier supports eSIM on day one
Pick storage based on video use. 4K60 files are large.
Choose a case with raised edges. The back now uses Ceramic Shield too.
Consider a Qi2 or MagSafe battery if you work long days. Apple offers a thin pack

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