Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17 Air, a striking new addition to its flagship family that’s now the thinnest iPhone ever, measuring just 5.6mm thick and weighing a mere 165g. Crafted with a grade-5 titanium frame and both front and back protected by Ceramic Shield 2, it delivers 3 times better scratch resistance on the front and 4 times better crack resistance on the back compared to previous iPhones (according to Apple).
The new iPhone was unveiled alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max (2TB) lineup, which we’ll also talk about. Other launches were the AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Colours That Pop
The iPhone 17 Air arrives in four refined finishes:
- Space Black
- Cloud White
- Light Gold
- Sky Blue
Stunning Display and Compact Dimensions
Sporting a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion and likely up to 120Hz refresh, the screen offers vibrant visuals in a surprisingly slim form.
Next-Level Power and Connectivity
Inside, the A19 Pro chip drives high performance across apps, AI tasks, and everyday use. Networking is powered by Apple’s N1 wireless chip with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6. This is paired with the brand-new C1X modem, unveiled just six months after the C1, and delivering double the performance.
Fusion Precision and Dual Capture Camera
On the rear, the iPhone 17 Air features a 48 MP Fusion camera system with a 2× optical telephoto, yielding what Apple calls “four lenses in your pocket” thanks to smart focal-length flexibility between 28 mm and 35 mm, plus 2× zoom and full-depth capture for post-shot Focus Control.
On the front, the 18 MP Center Stage camera with a square sensor allows flexible portrait and landscape self-portraits and enables ultra-stable 4K HDR video. Most intriguingly, Dual Capture video, which records simultaneously from front and back cameras, is ideal for creators
For instance, filming your reaction at a concert while capturing the stage—something already seen on models like the Tecno Camon 40.
eSIM Only and Battery Life
To preserve its ultra-thin profile, the iPhone 17 Air eliminates the physical SIM slot in favor of eSIM-only support globally. Apple also claims all-day battery life, including up to 27 hours of video playback, with even more endurance when paired with the optional MagSafe battery, an accessory returning with the iPhone Air.
Accessories With a Premium Price Tag
Apple launched a thin MagSafe Battery (priced at $99) specifically for the iPhone Air, promising up to 40 hours of total video playback when connected. There’s also a MagSafe case that’s under 1mm thick, and a crossbody strap available in multiple colors.
As always, Apple accessories may command premium prices—recall the $999 stand from years ago. So if you’re budget-conscious, you may want to weigh the value carefully.
The iPhone 17 Family and Pricing at a Glance
Apple launched four new models—including the standard iPhone 17, the fashion-forward iPhone 17 Air, and the higher-end iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. All variants now start with 256GB of base storage, with the Pro Max going up to 2TB. All come with iOS 26.
| Model | Price (USD) | Highlights |
| iPhone 17 | $799 | A19 chip, Ceramic Shield 2, 48 MP dual Fusion |
| iPhone 17 Air | $999 | Ultra-thin titanium, 48 MP Fusion, eSIM-only |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 | Advanced camera, 8× zoom, larger battery |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | Biggest display, top-tier battery & performance |
iPhone Air Size Comparison to iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air: 5.6mm thick, 165g
- iPhone 17: 7.95mm thick, 177g
iPhone 17 Air Could Be a Step in the Right Direction
The iPhone 17 Air represents Apple’s boldest step into lightweight, premium design without sacrificing power or durability. I think they are testing out the market, and if it works out well, it could revolutionize the phone industry, if you consider that we’re edging closer to graphene battery technology.
It will be available for preorder as of September 12, 2025, and will be delivered starting September 19, 2025. Base prices are KES 107,000 for the iPhone 17, KES 133,000 for the iPhone Air, KES 147,000 for the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at KES 160,000.
Note: These prices are conversions from dollars and may not be accurate. It all depends on where you decide to buy yours.
