iPhone Air ASMR unboxing & first look: Apple’s boldest iPhone in years

Apple’s new iPhone Air feels like a turning point for the iPhone lineup. By skipping the “17” name entirely, Apple clearly wants this phone to stand apart, not just as a replacement for the Plus, but as a whole new idea of what an iPhone can be. The Air is aimed at buyers who care just as much about style, weight, and refinement as they do about performance.

Unboxing: Apple’s signature minimalism

The iPhone Air unboxing sticks to Apple’s familiar playbook: clean, minimal, and premium. Inside the slim box, you’ll find just the essentials: the phone itself, a USB-C cable, documents, and a SIM ejector tool. No charger, no frills, just a very “Apple” experience.

We also tried the new “Shadow” coloured iPhone Air Case with MagSafe and the dedicated MagSafe Battery Pack. Both accessories match the Air’s clean aesthetic, arriving in simple, compact packaging that complements the phone’s vibe.

Design and build: thinner than ever

This is where the iPhone Air really makes its mark. Measuring just 5.6 mm and weighing only 165grams, it’s one of the slimmest, lightest iPhones ever, and you feel it the moment you pick it up.

Apple has used recycled titanium for the frame, a first for a non-Pro model, and paired it with Ceramic Shield Gen 2 up front and a frosted glass back. The Sky Blue finish we tested looks classy, resists smudges well, and is joined by Cloud White, Light Gold, and Space Black options. It’s a phone that’s clearly been designed to impress.

Camera and performance: simple but sharp

The iPhone Air doesn’t try to match the Pro series’ camera setups. Instead, it uses a single 48 MP Fusion Camera housed in a new “Camera Plateau” design. It’s a clean, subtle look, and Apple says it’s tuned to deliver consistent results while keeping the phone ultra-slim.

Under the hood, the Air runs on a slightly tuned-down A19 Pro chip, which basically is the same silicon used in the iPhone 17 Pro models. So, it should deliver smooth performance for day-to-day use while remaining power-efficient, just like, the Pro models.

Battery and charging speed raise questions

At 3149 mAh, the battery isn’t the biggest we’ve seen, but Apple claims strong endurance thanks to the LTPO display and efficient chip. For heavy users, the MagSafe Battery accessory can add up to 65 percent extra charge and is designed specifically for this model. Wired charging peaks at 20 W with a compatible Power Delivery charger.

Pricing and who it’s for

In India, the iPhone Air starts at ₹1,19,900 for 256 GB, with 512 GB and 1 TB models priced at ₹1,39,900 and ₹1,59,900.

The iPhone Air is clearly Apple’s most design-driven iPhone in years. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a light, stylish, premium-feeling phone but doesn’t necessarily need all the extra cameras of a Pro. You’re getting flagship-level performance in a more elegant package, with just a few compromises on battery size and camera versatility, which is a trade-off many will happily make for that ultra-slim feel.