Overview
This review covers the new iPhone Air, highlighting its remarkable thinness, trade-offs made for design, everyday usability, key concerns around battery and camera, and broader implications for Apple’s product direction.
Design and Build
- The iPhone Air is thinner than any previous iPhone, achieved by extensive internal rearrangement.
- A plateau at the top houses compute and memory; most of the lower body is dedicated to battery.
- Constructed with shiny titanium, making it both lightweight and highly durable but prone to fingerprints.
- 3D-printed USB-C port and thin buttons align closely with the phone’s edges.
- The device is notably slimmer and lighter, truly deserving of the “Air” designation.
Small Concerns and Trade-Offs
- Bottom speaker removed for battery space; only the top earpiece emits sound, resulting in mono audio and potential blockage issues.
- The iPhone Air is eSIM-only globally, freeing battery capacity but causing inconvenience for frequent SIM switchers.
- Lacks mmWave 5G support, which is insignificant for most users.
- The new C1X modem performs well, equaling or surpassing previous iPhone modems.
- USB-C port only supports USB2 transfer speeds, limiting data transfer rates.
Medium Concerns
- Reduced internal cooling leads to noticeable heating and potential performance throttling under sustained heavy use.
- Only a single rear camera is provided; lacks ultra-wide and zoom, diminishing versatility compared to other $1000 phones.
- Main and selfie cameras are high quality, but power users will miss the extra camera options.
Major Concerns: Durability and Battery
- Contrary to expectations, the iPhone Air is exceptionally durable, passing stringent bend and scratch tests.
- Features IP68 water/dust resistance and high scratch resistance with Ceramic Shield 2.
- Scores 7/10 for repairability, retains dual-entry design, and Apple provides repair guides.
- Battery life is mediocre; similar to the iPhone 11 despite improved efficiency, often requiring Low-Power Mode by day's end.
- No adoption of new high-density battery tech; charging is slower than other iPhone 17 models.
- Heavy users may find the battery inadequate and need to rely on frequent charging or external battery packs.
Broader Implications and Product Strategy
- iPhone Air may pave the way for Apple’s future foldable devices, leveraging extreme miniaturization and efficiency.
- Design choices for the Air enable the Pro line to advance in features and size, catering more to power users.
- Minimal actual new features beyond the selfie camera; focus remains on hardware innovation.
Accessory Recommendations
- Apple's MagSafe battery is limited; third-party options like the Ridge power bank offer greater capacity and versatility.
Recommendations / Advice
- Casual users focused on form and light use may enjoy the iPhone Air’s design.
- Power users or those prioritizing camera versatility and battery life should consider alternatives, such as the Pro models.