The Wall Street Journal’s personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen shared her first impressions of the iPhone Air, unveiled at Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ event. As Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, the iPhone Air promises a sleek design and cutting-edge features. Nguyen’s review highlights its strengths, weaknesses, and what it means for users. Here’s a breakdown of her insights.
Nguyen praises the iPhone Air’s ultra-slim design, measuring just 6mm thick, making it lighter and easier to hold than previous models. The 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. Powered by the A19 chip, it delivers faster performance for gaming and multitasking. The 48-megapixel main camera shines in low light, and the new C1 modem boosts connectivity. Nguyen notes its eco-friendly build, using recycled materials, aligning with Apple’s sustainability goals.
WSJ Personal Tech Columnist Nicole Nguyen got her hands on the iPhone Air—the thinnest iPhone ever. Here's her first take—the pros, cons and intriguing implications of the new model. pic.twitter.com/iMslUOoVxF
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) September 10, 2025Despite its sleek look, Nguyen points out trade-offs. The slim design limits battery capacity to 3,500mAh, leading to shorter battery life compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. The lack of a physical SIM slot may frustrate users in regions with limited eSIM support. Priced at $899, it’s not a budget option. Nguyen also mentions that some iOS 19 features, like advanced AI tools, are exclusive to Pro models, which may disappoint Air buyers.
The iPhone Air targets users who value style and portability over heavy-duty features. Nguyen suggests it’s ideal for those upgrading from older iPhones, but may not sway Android users due to its price and feature gaps. Its slim profile could set a trend for future smartphones, pushing competitors to prioritise design. However, Nguyen warns that frequent travellers may face connectivity issues in areas with weaker 5G networks.
The iPhone Air redefines Apple’s lineup, offering a premium yet accessible option. Nguyen’s review, based on hands-on testing, highlights its balance of innovation and compromise. As Apple pushes thinner designs, the iPhone Air could shape consumer expectations and industry trends in 2025.
