The iPhone Air has taken the market by surprise with its record-thin design and premium price tag. Launched on September 19, 2025, the device weighs just 165 grams and starts at $999 for the base model. While the hardware impresses, carriers are offering a range of trade-in and plan deals that can bring the phone to zero cost.
At a Glance
- Launch date: September 19, 2025
- Starting price: $999
- Weight: 165 grams
- Display: 6.5-inch OLED ProMotion, 120 Hz refresh
- Camera: 48-megapixel main sensor
- Colors: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue
Overview of the iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is Apple’s lightest and thinnest phone ever, measuring only 5.6 mm thick. It retains a powerful A19 Pro chip and a titanium frame, ensuring durability despite its slim profile. The single 48-megapixel camera delivers sharp photos, while the Ceramic Shield 2 coating protects the display.
Design and Build
- Thickness: 5.6 mm
- Material: Titanium frame
- Display size: 6.5 inches
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz ProMotion
- Brightness: up to 3,000 nits
Performance
- Chip: A19 Pro
- Modem: C1 5G
- Storage options: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB
How to Get a Free or Nearly Free iPhone Air
Carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile offer trade-in credits that can bring the cost down to zero. By trading in an older iPhone, you can receive credits ranging from $40 to $1,100, depending on the carrier and plan.
Trade-In Credit Breakdown
| Carrier | Plan | Trade-In Credit | Resulting Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | New line | $800 (contract break) | Free basic model |
| Verizon | Unlimited Welcome/Plus/Ultimate | Up to $1,000 | Free basic model |
| T-Mobile | Experience Beyond | Free phone with eligible trade-in | Free basic model |
| T-Mobile | Experience More | $830 off with trade-in | $169 off |
| T-Mobile | Military / First responders / 55+ | Up to $900 | $99 off |
| Boost Mobile | Infinite Access | $830 off | $169 off |
Credits are applied as monthly bill credits over 36 months.
Carrier-Specific Offers
- AT&T: $800 reward for contract break; $200 off for new line (online only)
- Verizon: $1,000 off for new line; up to $700 off with iPhone 13 Pro or newer trade-in
- T-Mobile: Free phone with Experience Beyond plan; $830 off with Experience More plan and trade-in
- Boost Mobile: $830 off on Infinite Access plan, reducing cost to under $5 per month
- Best Buy: Up to $1,000 credit for Verizon customers, $700 for AT&T; two free months of Apple TV Plus and three free months of Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness Plus
Pricing and Storage Options
The iPhone Air starts at $999 for the 256 GB model. Prices increase with storage.
| Storage | Price |
|---|---|
| 256 GB | $999 |
| 512 GB | $1,299 |
| 1 TB | $1,599 |
Color Options
- Space Black
- Cloud White
- Light Gold
- Sky Blue
Key Features Summary
- Ultra-thin: 5.6 mm
- Lightest: 165 grams
- OLED ProMotion 120 Hz display
- 48-megapixel main camera
- Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield 2
- A19 Pro chip, C1 5G modem
Accessories and Bundle Deals
If you’re purchasing the iPhone Air, consider bundling with popular accessories:
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch SE 3
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
- AirPods Pro 3
Carriers often include free months of Apple services with a new line, such as Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness Plus.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone Air delivers a premium experience in an incredibly slim package, but its $999 starting price can be a barrier for many. Fortunately, a wide range of carrier deals and trade-in programs can reduce or eliminate the cost. By comparing the available offers and choosing the right plan, you can enjoy the lightest and thinnest iPhone ever without paying the full price.
Key Takeaways
- Launch: September 19, 2025
- Base price: $999 for 256 GB
- Weight: 165 grams; thickness 5.6 mm
- Carriers offer up to $1,100 in trade-in credit, potentially making the phone free
- Colors: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue
- Bundle with Apple services for extra value
