iPhone Air Officially Announced—"5.6mm Thickness, 6.5-inch Display, Up to 27 Hours of Video Playback, Starting at ¥159,800." Ultra-Thin Design Sets a New Standard

1. Overview and Positioning: The Third Axis of iPhone "Air"

At its annual event, Apple introduced the new iPhone Air, a "super-thin" model with a thickness of 5.6mm, in addition to the traditional "Standard" and "Pro/Pro Max" lines. As it was announced alongside the 17th generation, international media refer to it as "Air within the iPhone 17 family," but the name strongly suggests it as an independent variation. Key specs include the A19 Pro, a 6.5-inch 120Hz display, eSIM-only, and a lightweight body of 165g. The US price is $999, and in Japan, it starts at 159,800 yen for the 256GB model. Pre-orders begin on September 12, with the release on September 19.ReutersThe VergeMobile WatchTechnoEdge

2. Core of the Hardware: 5.6mm Thin and New Titanium & Ceramic Lamination

• Body: Features a Grade 5 titanium frame with Ceramic Shield on both front and back. Despite being the thinnest, it is claimed to be "the most durable iPhone ever." The back employs a **"plateau structure"** to house the camera and SoC, enhancing space efficiency and ensuring heat dissipation and volume even in a thin design.AppleMobile Watch

• Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR / ProMotion (up to 120Hz). Outdoor peak brightness is said to be around 3,000 nits, and it supports always-on display.The VergeStock Titan

• Weight: 165g. Balancing thinness and lightness directly contributes to reducing the burden on the neck and shoulders during prolonged one-handed use.The VergeMobile Watch

3. Battery: How to "Reconcile" with Physical Laws

The thin design directly impacts battery volume, but Air claims up to 27 hours of video playback and up to 22 hours of streaming. Additionally, it offers an expansion path with a **$99 MagSafe battery** for up to 40 hours of peak playback. This concept realizes "versatile endurance" through "thinness + modular expansion."Mobile WatchTechnoEdgeThe Verge

4. Camera: 48MP Dual Fusion + Telephoto, Front "Center Stage"

The rear combines 48MP Dual Fusion with a 12MP-equivalent telephoto, and the front features a high-resolution camera supporting Center Stage. "Dual filming," like simultaneous front and rear shooting, is also promoted, expanding expressive possibilities in the era of short videos.The GuardianThe Verge

5. Processor/Network: High-end A19 Pro, and eSIM Only

• SoC: A19 Pro, offering professional-grade computing performance in a thin body, from the same generation as the high-end 17 Pro. Maintaining high frequency and managing heat are key, optimized with the titanium and plateau design.ReutersThe Verge
  
  

• Communication: eSIM only. Eliminating the physical SIM saves internal volume and contributes to water resistance and durability. However, profile management during carrier changes and international roaming is crucial for operation.ReutersThe Verge
  
  
  

6. Price, Capacity, and Color: Understanding Regional Differences

• Japanese Price (Tax Included): 256GB 159,800 yen, 512GB 194,800 yen, 1TB 229,800 yen. Apple's official prices in Japan include tax, making apparent differences with the US more noticeable. Pre-orders start on 9/12, and the release is on 9/19. Colors include Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, and Space Black.Mobile WatchTechnoEdge

• US Price: $999 (excluding tax, 256GB). The actual payment amount varies by state due to additional state taxes.ReutersThe Guardian

7. Differences Between Japan and Overseas ("Differences Abroad")

1. Price Structure Differences: In the US, it's $999 excluding tax, while in Japan, it's 159,800 yen including tax. Exchange rates, tax systems, and logistics costs are reflected, and the apparent difference widens during periods of yen depreciation.The GuardianMobile Watch
   
   

2. Sales Schedule: Globally uniform with pre-orders on 9/12 and release on 9/19, but the announcement was on 9/9 in the US (early morning on 9/10 Japan time), leading to different reporting tones due to time differences.The GuardianTechnoEdge
   
   

3. eSIM Operation: In the US, eSIM-only models have been leading since iPhone 14, and now Air is also eSIM-only. In Japan, the three major carriers and many MVNOs support it, but profile transition during carrier changes and local in-store support systems continue to create user experience differences.ReutersThe Verge
   
   

4. Accessory Strategy: With thinness as a premise, the idea of making availability time variable with MagSafe battery, etc., is well-suited to the Japanese usage style, which often involves commuting, long broadcasts, and filming. $99 is the US price, and the Japanese price is to be announced separately.The Verge

8. Competitive and Existing Model Comparison

• Segmentation with iPhone 17/17 Pro/17 Pro Max##HTML