**Apple Unveils the iPhone Air: The Thinnest Smartphone Yet**
Apple has introduced its slimmest smartphone to date, the iPhone Air, during a recent event in California. Alongside this innovative device, the tech giant also launched a trio of more conventional iPhone models, as well as new smartwatches and earbuds.
Measuring just 5.6mm in thickness and weighing 165g, the iPhone Air achieves its sleek design by making certain compromises, such as featuring only one rear camera and lacking compatibility with physical SIM cards. However, Apple asserts that this model is more durable and energy-efficient than any previous iPhone. The iPhone Air is powered by the same chip found in the new Pro models and boasts a larger display than the standard iPhone 17, all while being lighter and thinner.
“Our goal was to create an iPhone that embodies the future—powerful yet so thin and light that it feels almost weightless in your hands,” stated industrial designer Abidur Chowdhury at the launch event. The device is protected by Apple’s Ceramic Shield coating on both the front and back, which the company claims offers three times greater scratch resistance and four times better crack resistance compared to earlier models. The iPhone Air features a titanium frame and a unique “plateau” design on the back that accommodates the 48MP camera and most of the internal components, including the new A19 Pro chip. In Australia, the starting price for the 256GB model is set at $1800, and it will be available in blue, gold, white, and black.
In addition to the iPhone Air, Apple revealed redesigned versions of the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, both of which are thicker and heavier than the Air and feature smaller screens. The iPhone 17 has been upgraded with a slightly larger 6.3-inch display that now supports a variable 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing motion smoothness and battery life, along with an always-on display. Apple claims that the battery life of the standard iPhone 17 will last up to eight hours longer than that of the iPhone 16.
The Pro models have transitioned from a titanium to an aluminum construction and, for the first time, feature a unibody design. Apple noted that the new frame is 20 times more effective at dissipating heat than last year’s Pro model, resulting in improved performance and longevity, complemented by a larger battery and the new chip. “The iPhone 17 Pro is the most powerful iPhone we’ve ever created, redesigned from the ground up to maximize performance and deliver a significant boost in battery life,” said Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak. “With three 48MP Fusion cameras and professional-grade video capabilities, the creative possibilities are limitless.”
All four new smartphones come equipped with a revamped front camera that offers a wider field of view, allowing users to take selfies in any orientation without needing to rotate the device. The camera utilizes AI technology to detect additional individuals in the frame and automatically switch to a wider perspective.
**FAQ**
*What is the starting price of the iPhone Air?*
The iPhone Air starts at $1800 for the model with 256GB of storage in Australia.
