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Apple releases new iPhones every year. And year after year, they tend to be incremental updates, each generation improving on the one before.
But this year, Apple did something new. It released an entirely new design: the iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone to date.
While some dismiss it as a design and manufacturing test for the upcoming foldable iPhone, the Air has some very clear attractions.
I checked it out this weekend at a local Apple store and was delighted by it. I was so, so tempted to get one.
For a large phone, it’s implausibly thin and light. In hand, it feels super-premium, with a large, bright screen and snappy performance. Although there’s only one camera, it takes lovely pictures.
The iPhone Air is super-impressive, and if you handle it in person, it casts a very seductive spell. It’s a sensory thing that has to be experienced first-hand.
So be warned: Do not go to the Apple store and check one out yourself — you’ll likely leave $999 poorer.
Here’s our hands-on review of Apple’s gutsiest new design to date. (We also reviewed the iPhone Air’s official accessories, like the MagSafe Battery and bumper case.)
Also in today’s newsletter:
Today’s newsletter is all about the Air. Marvel at Apple’s advanced engineering, as revealed by iFixit’s first teardown. Even more surprising is the Air’s repairability score.
The popular YouTube channel JerryRigEverything performed its annual torture tests on the new Air, and the results left tester Zack Nelson “shocked.”
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There is one big downside to the new iPhone Air, especially in space black: It’s prone to scratching easily.
On Friday, I bought a pair of AirPods Pro 3 to replace my comically beaten-up AirPods Pro 2. The first surprise was much-improved ANC. I thought someone had slipped a soundproof diving helmet over my head when I first put them on — it’s like being inside a bubble of silence. So good. I should have waited for this first sale, though. It’s not a huge discount, but it is a discount.
Don’t forget: If you’re buying new AirPods, consider selling your old ones to Cult of Mac’s buyback program. We buy all models, including damaged ones. (We buy all kinds of other used Apple gear, too.)
Amazon’s running sales on many of Apple’s official iPhone 17 cases, including bumper cases, silicone cases, clear cases and even TechWoven ones.
On this week’s Cult of Mac podcast, we break down the coolest new features in iOS 26 and watchOS 26.
Today’s the day in Apple history when first-day sales of the iPhone really kicked into overdrive.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
Cult of Mac’s buyback program
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Tweets of the day
which colour they going for?
— #Andrew Hart (#@AndrewHartAR)
6:20 PM • Sep 20, 2025
Upgrading to iPhone 17 Pro Max 🤡
— #Gary Mark⚡️Blue Sky Kites 𝕏 🈴 (#@blueskykites)
5:42 AM • Sep 20, 2025
Got my first iphone 🥺
Life is good 💯— #Ripudaman (#@mrtechsense)
3:29 PM • Sep 21, 2025
Wallpaper of the day
Stylized art: Mount Fuji City 4K
— #Universal arts & Wallpapers (#@Universal4karts)
3:12 PM • Sep 20, 2025
One more thing ...
Reality has an odd habit of catching up with satire.
Today’s poll
Are you thinking about switching to the iPhone Air?
Results from last Friday’s poll: How are you getting your new iPhone?
Best reader comments
Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.
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