Apple has introduced a new iPhone tier for 2025. The new iPhone Air sits above the standard iPhone 17 in price and design. This creates a clear choice for consumers between affordability and a premium, ultra-thin form factor.

The lineup shift was confirmed in Apple's recent keynote event. According to sources like Bloomberg, the move aims to cater to different user preferences. The iPhone 17 starts at $799, while the iPhone Air begins at $999.

The iPhone Air is remarkably thin and light. It features a polished titanium frame and Ceramic Shield on both front and back. This gives it a distinct premium feel compared to the aluminum iPhone 17.

Displays are also different. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch screen. The iPhone Air offers a larger 6.5-inch display. Both models feature ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling.

Performance varies between the two models. The iPhone 17 uses the standard A19 chip. The iPhone Air is equipped with the more powerful A19 Pro chip. It also has 12GB of memory, compared to 8GB in the iPhone 17.

The camera systems are a major differentiator. The iPhone 17 boasts a dual-camera setup. It includes a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens for more versatile shots.

The iPhone Air has only a single rear camera. It misses out on features like Macro Photography and Spatial video. This is a significant trade-off for its sleek design.

Battery life is another key factor. The iPhone 17 offers up to 30 hours of use. The iPhone Air provides a shorter battery life of up to 27 hours. It also supports slower wireless charging speeds.