Everyone’s Talking About That Apple iPhone Air — And So Are We
It’s slimmer than your fingernail and it’s touted to last all-day.
And just like that, we’ve entered the latest Apple iPhone era: the iPhone 17.
Interestingly enough, people are talking about the iPhone Air, a variant that has replaced the ‘Plus’ (remember when we had iPhone 16 Plus?). Apple claims that the iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made at 5.6mm, and it is incredibly light. We’re thinking it’s even slimmer than a fingernail, at least for mine.
Fans are comparing it to the Apple 6, which measured at 6.9mm then. 😱
Not only that, it’s built with a strong titanium frame, an elegant high-gloss mirror finish, and a new plateau on the back that is precision-milled on both sides to house the cameras, speaker, and Apple silicon.
A new camera and design
And yes, this time it features only one camera lens, instead of the usual three we see on their models. Apple has said that this Centre Stage front camera powers two camera in one, but there isn’t an ultra-wide function. However, the Dual Capture is a new feature that combines the front and rear cameras, so users can record themselves while at a concert or get their reaction to a game’s big play. Users can also get closer to their subject with the optical-quality 2x Telephoto, which features an updated Photonic Engine that captures more lifelike details and colour.
Faster, smoother gaming sesh
Gaming-wise, the iPhone Air features N1, a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Apple said that its new C1X modem is even faster than the modem in iPhone 16 Pro, while using 30 percent less energy overall.
Made with recycled content
iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever, delivering pro performance, amazing new camera systems on the front and back, and fantastic all-day battery life.
Apple shared that the iPhone Air is made with 35 percent recycled content, including 80 percent recycled titanium, the highest ever for an iPhone, and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. A new titanium USB-C port is 3D-printed to fit into the slim design while using 33 percent less material than a conventional forging process. It’s also said that the iPhone Air is manufactured with 45 percent renewable electricity, like wind and solar, across the supply chain.
The Apple iPhone Air pricing
iPhone Air will be available in space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue, starting with 256GB storage, as well as 512GB and 1TB options. iPhone Air starts at S$1,599.
The Apple iPhone 17 range
The Apple iPhone 17 range.
But let’s not forget about the remaining Apple iPhone 17 range.
Similar to the iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 also features the Centre Stage front camera for all our selfie/recording needs.
The iPhone 17 features all 48MP rear cameras and 48MP Ultra Wide lens that capture up to 4x the resolution compared to the previous generation, so users get even more detail for uniquely framed, wider-angle shots or macro photography. The Pro models have three cameras like we’ve been accustomed to.
iPhone 17 gets a new 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera, so users can capture a wider field of view and unique perspectives in more detail.
For the screens, the 17 has been bumped up slightly:
iPhone 17: 6.3 inches (previous models 6.1 inches)
iPhone 17 Pro: 6.5 inches
iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9 inches
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available in three stunning finishes: an elegant deep blue, a bold cosmic orange, and a refined silver.
On all 17 models, Apple has factored in 3000 nits peak outdoor brightness — the highest ever on iPhone — and 2x better outdoor contrast. Apple’s strongest chip, the A19 Pro is also made available on all models. On the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple claims it can help to deliver up to 40 percent better sustained performance than the previous generation.
The 17 Pro has an interesting design update: it features a cooling “Vapour chamber”. Deionised water sealed inside moves heat away from the A19 Pro chip, allowing for even higher sustained performance. The heat is carried into the forged aluminium unibody, where it is distributed evenly through the system, managing power and surface temperatures to deliver incredible performance while remaining comfortable to hold.
The Apple iPhone 17 pricing
iPhone 17 will be available in lavender, mist blue, sage, white, and black in 256GB and 512GB storage capacities. iPhone 17 starts at S$1,299. iPhone 17 Pro will be available in double the entry storage, 256GB, as well as 512GB and 1TB. iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and for the first time, 2TB storage capacities. Available in cosmic orange, deep blue, and silver, iPhone 17 Pro starts at S$1,749, and iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at S$1,899.
Pre-order on Apple Singapore.