Apple’s new iPhone 17 Air is a distinct entry in the lineup: it targets users who prioritize thinness and low weight over maximum camera flexibility. It’s the company’s thinnest iPhone to date at 5.6 mm, with a 6.5‑inch ProMotion OLED display, the A19 Pro chip, and a single 48MP rear camera. The starting price is $999.

What’s included at this price

The iPhone 17 Air pairs a very slim chassis with hardware that, on paper, is closer to Apple’s high‑end phones than to its entry model:

  • 6.5‑inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and UI animations.
  • A19 Pro silicon with a 6‑core CPU and 5‑core GPU including Neural Accelerators for on‑device AI features found across the latest iPhones.
  • Polished titanium frame, Ceramic Shield 2 on the front (Apple’s more scratch‑resistant cover glass), and a crack‑resistant back.
  • Up to 27 hours of video playback and fast charging to 50% in about 30 minutes.
  • Colors include Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, and Space Black.

Storage starts at 256GB and goes up to 1TB. The Air supports eSIM, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 5G, and safety features common to the latest models. For eSIM setup and travel use, Apple’s support article covers capabilities and carrier considerations.

Where it makes a clear trade‑off: cameras

The Air’s main compromise is the rear camera system. Instead of the now‑common wide + ultrawide (and sometimes telephoto) pairing, the Air uses a single 48MP “Fusion” Main camera with a 2x optical‑quality crop. That means:

  • No dedicated Ultra Wide camera for expansive landscapes or tight indoor shots.
  • No dedicated Telephoto lens for higher‑quality long‑range framing beyond 2x.

On the front, the Air includes Apple’s new 18MP Center Stage camera that can expand field of view for group selfies, capture front‑and‑rear “Dual Capture” video, and support more flexible framing — features Apple highlights across this generation.

Design and durability

The core reason to choose the Air is the form factor. At 5.6 mm thick, it’s notably slimmer than recent iPhones. Apple pairs the thin profile with a polished titanium frame and updated cover glass to preserve durability within the constraints of the design. If you value a device that’s easier to pocket and hold for long periods, that design goal is tangible day to day.

Performance and Apple Intelligence

The A19 Pro chip brings headroom for gaming, video capture, and on‑device AI features Apple is rolling out across its lineup. While the top “Pro” phones add a vapor‑chamber thermal system, the Air’s combination of A19 Pro and 120Hz display still marks a substantial step up from prior non‑Pro mid‑tier iPhones. Apple’s current generation also emphasizes features like Live Translation, Writing Tools, and visual intelligence as part of Apple Intelligence; those capabilities are documented on Apple’s product pages for the latest iPhones and are supported on A19‑class devices.

Battery and charging

Apple describes the Air’s endurance as “all‑day,” and lists up to 27 hours of video playback along with 50% charge in about 30 minutes using a high‑wattage adapter. In practice, thin devices leave less room for a large battery than thicker phones; the on‑device efficiency from A19 Pro and iOS optimization is carrying part of the load here. Heavy camera, 5G hotspot, or gaming usage will still tax any phone — the Air included — faster than light use.

Price, storage, and availability

The iPhone 17 Air starts at $999 with 256GB of storage. Apple’s September release cadence applies: pre‑orders open September 12 and in‑store availability begins September 19 across the new lineup. If you plan to configure or purchase, the Apple Store buy page lists current pricing, storage options, and carrier offers.

How it compares in the 2025 lineup

  • iPhone 17 (entry model): Lower price tier, dual‑camera system that includes an Ultra Wide, A19 (non‑Pro) chip, and a 120Hz display this year. Better if you value an Ultra Wide camera and can forgo the Air’s ultra‑thin build.
  • iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: Higher prices, triple 48MP rear cameras including a dedicated Telephoto with much longer optical‑quality zoom, larger batteries, and additional pro video features. Best for sustained performance, camera range, and long days away from power.
  • iPhone 17 Air: Prioritizes thinness and weight, keeps A19 Pro and 120Hz, but trims the rear camera array to a single 48MP unit with 2x crop. Suits users who shoot mostly at 1x–2x and want a lighter device.

Who is the iPhone 17 Air for?

Choose the Air if you want the thinnest, lightest modern iPhone and are comfortable living without an Ultra Wide or a dedicated Telephoto lens. If you shoot a lot of interiors, landscapes, or distant subjects, the two‑ or three‑camera models give you more flexibility at the point of capture.

Quick takeaways

  • Price: $999 starting, 256GB base storage.
  • Build: 5.6 mm thin, polished titanium, updated Ceramic Shield glass.
  • Display: 6.5‑inch OLED with 120Hz ProMotion.
  • Chip: A19 Pro with Neural Accelerators for on‑device AI features.
  • Cameras: Single 48MP rear (1x/2x), 18MP Center Stage front; no dedicated Ultra Wide or Telephoto.
  • Battery: Up to 27 hours video playback; 50% charge in ~30 minutes.
  • Connectivity: eSIM, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 5G.
  • Colors: Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, Space Black.

If you’re deciding between models, start with your camera needs and how much you value a thinner phone in daily use. Then weigh price against the features you’ll reach for most often. Apple’s product page and the Apple Store configuration page are the best places to confirm final specs, storage tiers, and delivery dates before you buy.