Apple iPhone Air long-term review
Since the start of the Apple iPhone Air four months have passed, and success is still elusive. Reports indicate that sales figures are so low that Apple is postponing the successor model. MacRumors Editor Dan Barbera describes his experiences with Apple’s thinnest and lightest iPhone in everyday life over the past few months.
With its ultra-thin design, the Apple iPhone Air continues to impress even months later. It’s significantly lighter than other iPhone models, making it comfortable to hold. The iPhone Air is Apple’s best smartphone for one-handed use and delights everyone who tries it.
The frosted glass surface looks appealing and is robust thanks to the titanium frame. The glass is resistant to fingerprints and non-slip, so it can be used without a case. This is an advantage, as a case can compromise the ultra-thin feel. However, the iPhone Air is made entirely of glass and is therefore still fragile if dropped. AppleCare+ is therefore recommended.
The Apple iPhone Air has the smallest battery of the iPhone 17 series. And there were many concerns that it wouldn’t last all day. As long as you’re not using it for demanding games, the battery is perfectly adequate. Dan had good results with everyday activities like browsing social media, YouTube, navigation and the use of CarPlay present no problems with battery life.
Apple iPhone Air only with 2x zoom
Those who only ever use the wide-angle camera on their Apple iPhone Air might not miss an ultra-wide or telephoto lens. However, the single main camera is one of the iPhone Air’s biggest drawbacks. While it offers single and 2x zoom, it lacks a 0.5x ultra-wide mode, a macro lens, and a telephoto lens. For some, this is definitely a deal-breaker.
There is only one speaker, and although this is sufficient for use in quiet rooms, it may not be good enough once other noises are added.
The biggest drawback of the Apple iPhone Air is its price. Sure, it’s light, thin, and has a stunning design, but you’ll pay a hefty €1,199/$999 for it. For €250/$200 less, you can get the standard model iPhone 17 with two cameras and almost identical performance, and for €/$100 more, the iPhone 17 Pro with three cameras and more power. The only compromise is the reduced thickness, and it’s clear that most people aren’t willing to pay more and sacrifice features.
At this point, it’s not entirely clear when a new iPhone Air might be released. Rumors initially pointed to a second-generation model in the fall of 2026, but sales figures fell short of expectations. Therefore, Apple is waiting to release a new model in order to implement some improvements.
The Apple iPhone Air 2 could have a second camera and display improvements such as a smaller Dynamic Island to make it more attractive, with a possible market launch in spring 2027.
