Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone Air, its thinnest and lightest flagship handset yet, and preorders are now open across Australia. Starting at AU$1,799, the iPhone Air offers Pro-level performance in a slim 5.6mm frame, with shipping set to begin on September 19.
iPhone Air: Apple’s Slim Yet Powerful New Handset
The iPhone Air marks a new chapter in Apple’s lineup, positioned between the standard iPhone 17 and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro. Despite its compact design, it runs on the A19 Pro chipset, the same processor that powers the iPhone 17 Pro.
Apple has ditched the “17” branding, giving the iPhone Air its own identity. Weighing just 165 grams, it is lighter than the iPhone 17 while still offering a 6.5-inch OLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 3,000 nits.
However, there are trade-offs. Unlike the Pro models, the iPhone Air does not include a vapor chamber cooling system, which could impact sustained performance. It also features a single 48MP ‘Fusion’ camera instead of the Pro’s triple-lens setup, meaning no ultra-wide or 8x telephoto zoom options.
Preorder Prices and Storage Options
- 256GB – AU$1,799
- 512GB – AU$2,199
- 1TB – AU$2,599
The device is available in Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue finishes.
Also Read: iPhone 17 Preorders Begin Soon: How to Get Up to $1,100 Off
Outright and On-Plan Preorder Deals
Preorders opened at 10PM AEST on September 12, with both outright and contract options available.
Outright Purchase (Unconfirmed Retailer Offers)
- Apple: Up to AU$1,205 trade-in value (TBC)
- Telstra: Likely to match standard trade-in deals
- JB Hi-Fi: Expected gift card or bonus trade-in promotion
- The Good Guys: Potential gift card or trade-in incentives
On-Plan Contracts
For buyers who prefer to spread payments over time, the iPhone Air is available through Vodafone, Optus, and Telstra with multiple plan options. Specific bundled offers are expected in the coming days.
How the iPhone Air Compares to iPhone 17 Models
| Model | Weight | Display | Chipset | Rear Cameras | Storage Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | 177g | 6.3″ | A19 | Dual (Wide, Ultra) | 256GB–1TB |
| iPhone Air | 165g | 6.5″ | A19 Pro | 48MP Wide (‘Fusion’) | 256GB–1TB |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 206g | 6.3″ | A19 Pro | Triple (Wide, Ultra, Tele) | 256GB–1TB |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 233g | 6.9″ | A19 Pro | Triple (Wide, Ultra, Tele) | 256GB–2TB |
First Impressions
Early hands-on reviews highlight the iPhone Air’s sleek design, comfortable size, and cleaner single-camera module compared to the bulkier Pro models. However, questions remain about battery life, heat management, and long-term performance due to the lack of advanced cooling technology.
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