iPhone Air: Let’s talk form factor
For years, smartphone makers have been refining their designs to match the ever-evolving needs of users, and Apple is no exception. From compact models (who can forget the iPhone minis) to larger handsets (Pro Max), the company has experimented a bit across sizes and form factors over the years. Now, it’s taking a bold step into the ultra-slim category with the iPhone Air. At just 5.64mm thick, the Air stands out as the slimmest iPhone ever created.
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Is it even an iPhone?
That’s the reaction I got from my family members at home when I showed them the iPhone Air. They may not be hardcore tech enthusiasts, but they do have a fair bit of knowledge about the latest iPhones (courtesy: social media). Regardless of how closely someone follows the industry, the iPhone Air’s ultra-slim design is bound to leave an impression. That’s quite evident when we recorded the reactions of people while giving them their first look and feel of the iPhone Air (check that out on 91mbiles’ Instagram page, if you haven’t).
Titanium-grade durability
Apple may have dropped titanium from its ‘Pro’ models, but the iPhone Air benefits from this premium material. The handset boasts a grade 5 titanium frame, sandwiched between the Ceramic Shield 2 glass protection on both the front and back. While there’s a slight flex if pressure is applied, the build retains its structural integrity. There are countless videos on the internet clearing the ‘air’ around the iPhone Air’s durability; you can check them out if you need some reassurance.
In my own use, even slipping it into my back pocket and occasionally sitting on it, the phone held up without issue. The device also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. That said, I would have preferred the newer IP69 standard, which offers protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.
Slim. Light. But what’s the impact?
You can talk about the slimness and light form factor of the iPhone Air all day long, but what does it really mean for end users? Does it actually enhance usability?
Honestly, using the phone hasn’t felt much different to me than using a regular-sized smartphone. The lighter weight certainly makes it easier to hold for longer periods without causing wrist fatigue. But, other than that, I haven’t found myself in a situation where the slim profile makes it fit in my pocket better than a standard phone. I have worn all kinds of casuals, including my go-to has been jeans, (not the skin-tight kind), and I never felt the Air fitted into my pockets any differently than a regular smartphone.
What’s more, the slimness is instantly compromised the moment you put a case on the phone. And with a device that costs over a lakh, many would.
That said, I do think professionals who wear formals most of the time will notice the difference. I’ve seen smartphones create a visible bulge in trouser pockets; my engagement photos are proof. The iPhone Air won’t make that bulge disappear entirely, but it will certainly make it less noticeable.
What makes iPhone Air so slim?
That slim profile wouldn’t have been possible without a redesigned chassis and some compromises in specifications. The iPhone Air sports a camera plateau similar to the iPhone 17 Pro series, which is home to not just the 48MP Fusion sensor but also internals such as the A19 Pro chipset.
While Apple’s innovative approach deserves credit, the iPhone Air misses out on a secondary rear camera and an additional speaker. These are obvious misses for a smartphone priced at Rs 1,19,900. By comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge (review), launched earlier this year, managed to include both a dual rear-camera setup for added versatility and dual speakers for richer audio, all in a body measuring just 5.8mm thick.
Takeaway…
It could be argued that iPhones have never been just about specifications. Instead, they’re about the overall experience. I’ll dive deeper into that in our full iPhone Air review, so stay tuned.
Right now, it seems the iPhone Air doesn’t revolutionise functionality as much as you would expect with its slimness. But it still delivers a refined and stylish experience, and it will be interesting to see Apple build on this form factor year after year. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a sleek, lightweight device?
