Apple iPhone Air Launch: Why It Isn’t Called iPhone 17 Air
Apple launches iPhone Air, its slimmest iPhone yet. Price in India starts at Rs 1,19,900. Find out release date, specs and why it’s not called iPhone 17 Air.
image for illustrative purpose
Apple has launched the iPhone Air, described as the thinnest iPhone built so far, marking the beginning of a new line in its smartphone family.
Unlike the expected iPhone 17 Air branding, the company has positioned the Air as a separate product, signaling that it is not simply another variant of the iPhone 17. Similar to the MacBook Air and iPad Air, the naming indicates a focus on lightness, portability and day-to-day practicality.
In India, the iPhone Air is priced at Rs 1,19,900 for the 256GB model. The 512GB version will sell for Rs 1,39,900, while the 1TB option will cost Rs 1,59,900. Pre-orders open on September 12, with sales beginning September 19, 2025.
Apple said the choice of name was meant to keep the product line clear. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro remain the standard flagships, while the Air represents a different category built around design and convenience. Even though it runs on the A19 Pro processor, Apple does not place it under the Pro lineup.
The iPhone Air is built on a 5.6mm titanium frame with Ceramic Shield protection on both front and back. It carries a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR screen with ProMotion technology, supporting refresh rates up to 120Hz. Peak brightness reaches 3,000 nits, while the Always-On Display adjusts down to 1Hz to conserve power.
Performance comes from the A19 Pro chip paired with a GPU tuned for artificial intelligence tasks. The device also uses the N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support, along with a C1X modem designed for faster and more efficient mobile connectivity.
The rear camera system features a 48MP Fusion sensor with multiple focal lengths, powered by Apple’s Photonic Engine. On the front, an 18MP camera with Center Stage support adjusts framing automatically during calls or group photos.
The phone maintains all-day battery life and introduces Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26, which learns user patterns to extend usage. Apple has also removed the SIM tray worldwide, moving fully to eSIM support.
The iPhone Air does not replace the iPhone 17 or the iPhone 17 Pro. Instead, it creates a new category within the iPhone series, aiming to combine slim design with high performance. It will be available in space black, cloud white, light gold and sky blue.
