iPhone Air has quickly become the talk of the tech community - not just for being Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, but for redefining how an iPhone feels in daily use. Far from being a “technical experiment,” it marks the start of a new design philosophy.

For years, Apple’s larger iPhones - like the Plus and Pro Max - offered expansive screens but came with a tradeoff: increasing weight. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, built with stainless steel, weighed 240 grams (8.47 ounces), making it the heaviest iPhone to date. Even with titanium in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the weight only dropped to 221 grams (7.81 ounces). The iPhone 16 Pro Max pushed the screen to 6.9 inches and nearly 226 grams, leaving many users frustrated by the bulk.

iPhone Air breaks the mold

Enter the iPhone Air. At just 5.6mm thin and weighing only 164 grams (5.8 ounces), it delivers a large 6.5-inch display without the burden of heaviness. Compared to the 199-gram iPhone 16 Plus, the difference in hand comfort is striking. Holding an iPhone Air immediately feels lighter, sleeker, and more effortless - finally solving the “brick-in-pocket” problem of bigger iPhones.

The trade-offs: battery and camera

Yet, Apple’s thinnest iPhone comes with compromises. Battery life is decent - lasting a full day with 5–6 hours of heavy use - but power users may still crave more. The camera system also lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, which may disappoint frequent photographers. Its dual-lens setup is adequate for everyday shots, though the absence of an ultra-wide option occasionally forces users to step back.

A step into the future of design

Industry watchers compare the iPhone Air’s debut to that of the iPhone X in 2017 - both represented a fresh design language that shaped Apple’s trajectory for years. Some believe the Air is a testing ground for future AR glasses or foldable iPhones. Regardless, it sets a new benchmark for lightweight, full-screen smartphones.

Within a week of launch, the iPhone Air has become a conversation starter across cafes, offices, and online forums. Apple appears to have rekindled the sense of excitement and surprise that defined its most iconic releases.

The iPhone Air may not be perfect - it sacrifices some battery and advanced photography - but it proves that Apple still knows how to spark enthusiasm in a saturated smartphone market. More than just a thin iPhone, it signals the beginning of a new era in design.

Hai Phong