iPhone Air Review: One Year With Apple's Super Thin $999 iPhone

[MacRumors]

It's been almost 12 months since Apple launched the iPhone Air, and because MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has been using it daily since launch, he decided to do a one-year review covering what it's like using Apple's super-thin iPhone on a long-term basis.

The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone Apple has released to date, and the form factor doesn't get old. It's pocketable, can be used with one hand, and it's much lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. There's not much compromise on screen size since it has a 6.5-inch OLED display.

Apple used a smaller battery in the iPhone Air, and it doesn't last as long as the iPhone 17 Pro models. Some people might be able to get through the day on a single charge, but others will need an external battery pack like the one Apple built for the iPhone Air.

There's a single camera, which is one of the compromises with Apple's super-thin iPhone. You only get the Wide lens, with no option for the Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses that come with the other iPhone 17 models. No Ultra Wide also means no macro images.

Price was and continues to be the biggest iPhone Air issue. At $999, it's more expensive than the iPhone 17, which has two cameras and nearly the same processor, and only $100 less than the three-camera iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone Air's price wasn't worth it to a lot of people, and rumors suggest that it didn't sell well.

Make sure to watch Dan's video to see all of his thoughts on the iPhone Air.

Article Link: iPhone Air Review: One Year With Apple's Super Thin $999 iPhone

 

[xxFoxtail]

The Air is still up there with my favorites. I think the SE 2016 is my top, then the 12/13 mini, and Air being next. I think I’d like the Air more if it was a bit smaller.

 

[locoboi187]

Hands down favorite phone my mom has ever owned. What more does she need?!

 

[CalMin]

I’m ever hopeful for an Air 2 with ultrawide and telephoto. In a world where my iPhone has mainly become a camera and a Duolingo device, it’s literally only the camera deficit that stopped me buying this as my next phone.

 

[triton100]

My favourite iphone out of every single iphone i’ve owned since 2007. Would love for it to be even thinner and lighter

 

[TrailorSwift]

I love my iphone air but I'm only getting about 4 hours and 30 minutes of SoT on iOS 27 beta. Crossing my fingers that this improves when it's released. Probably gonna try a clean install at that point.

 

[Simmias]

To echo others, it’s by far the best iPhone I’ve ever owned:

-Super easy to hold, use and pocket
-Large screen that works for everything from browsing to reading to light work tasks
-Durable finish and materials - first iPhone I’m confident using without a case. Mine has zero scratches after a year.

The entire framing of the iPhone Air as missing “features” was wrong. It has the most IMPORTANT features in a handheld device - light weight, thin profile, fast processor and large screen. Sure, some may need a bigger battery or more cameras, but people are way too fixated on those aspects and miss the overall experience.

The truth is the opposite of popular opinion: iPhone Air is the PRACTICAL choice for those who want a phone that is easy to use day to day, while iPhone Pro is the FLASHY choice for those who want to show off that they have the best specs. To be fair, they are both great phones - the Air just never deserved the hate it got.

 

[jole]

Air looks great, but is too large.

Air Mini anyone?

 

[Don1985]

It’s the best current iphone, but I still think the iphone XS was peak. Hopefully the iPhone XX will be close in dimensions and feel.

 

[rkdiddy]

It felt slightly too large in hand for me. I would have preferred the screen size of the iPhone 17 pro. But, a second photo lens and stereo sound would make this a little more compelling for me.

 

[Mick_ag]

No Ultra Wide also means no macro images.

Really?

 

[benzqn]

best iPhone I've had. on year in not a scratch on it. its tough, lite, thin. yes ok the camera is not the best but it is still very good.

 

[ThomasJL]

While a smartphone having a lighter weight is a factor in comfortability in the hand, having a narrower width is a bigger factor in that. The iPhone Air is too wide for comfortability in the hand. That’s why the narrower-width iPhone 17e is significantly more comfortable in the hand in comparison to the iPhone Air, despite the iPhone 17e not being as light as the iPhone Air

 

[Nilhum]

I have been using it for a year. Went from 13 Pro Max to the Air. Really love it. Hope they add a second camera, but other than that, I can’t complain. I love this device. It’s perfect for me and it’s a niche product but works for me. The form factor never gets old.

 

[menist]

Air is my favorite to hold, the Mini is still my favorite to use 😛

 

[Apple_Robert]

Dan, did you pay for the phone yourself, or was the phone a business expense. I think if you are going to complain about the price, you should answer the question for the viewers.

 

[boswald]

If it didn't have those shortcomings I would've pulled the trigger on one. But I can't stand the mono audio (yes, I actually use the phone speakers).

 

[ikramerica]

To echo others, it’s by far the best iPhone I’ve ever owned:

-Super easy to hold, use and pocket
-Large screen that works for everything from browsing to reading to light work tasks
-Durable finish and materials - first iPhone I’m confident using without a case. Mine has zero scratches after a year.

The entire framing of the iPhone Air as missing “features” was wrong. It has the MOST important features in a mobile device - light weight, thin profile, fast processor and large screen. Sure, some may need a bigger battery or more cameras, but people are way too fixated on those aspects and miss the overall experience. The truth is the opposite of popular onion: iPhone Air is the PRACTICAL choice for those who want a phone that easy to use day to day, while iPhone Pro is the FLASHY choice for those who want to show off that they have the best specs. To be fair, they are both great phones - the Air just never deserved the hate it got.

So, battery life isn’t important in a smartphone? A modern camera SYSTEM and not just a single lens with reduced features isn’t important?

I beg to differ.

 

[Salty Pirate]

I will for sure buy the air2.

I love this form factor.

 

[spellrumourcorrectly]

Please can you advise what wallpaper is used at 4:00 into the video?

Thanks.

 

[joefrank64k]

Love my Air. Reminds me of my favorite touchID iPhone, the 7+, just better in every way.

I upgraded from the 16PM and what a revelation. So thin and light it’s crazy.

But…the battery life has become a challenge, especially after installing the iOS27 DB.

I got the Air-specific battery pack to get through most days. First time I’ve had to do that for *any* iPhone (and I’ve had them all, from the OG onward).

While I love it, I’ll be happily selling it in the next week or two for the Ultra.

I do hope Apple keeps iterating the Air though.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Pricing issue will soon be resolved, since the new iPro will probably start at $1499.

 

[joshuamj]

Not sure if this is a hot take... but I expect Apple to permanently eliminate the base model iPhone as early as next year, releasing the Air 2 in place of the 18 (Air 3 in place of the 19, and so on.) So moving forward the line up will be: e (SE?) > Air > Pro > Ultra/Fold.

I also wish they'd prioritize a telephoto lens vs. the ultra wide, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[MGrayson3]

Really?

Yes, really. No macro.
Honestly, need telephoto? Crop. But nothing will get you UWA or macro if the lens isn't there.

 

[manhattanboy]

The air is light enough to use one handed and I love mine with a carbon fiber case. I wish battery life was a touch longer, but otherwise it’s been perfect..the best iPhone I’ve ever owned. The folks who always complain about the cameras: if you are that into photography buy a proper mirroless camera. The iPhone is meant to be a smartphone.