Apple said all the right things in the lead-up to the launch of the iPhone Air. Now that it's here, all doubts have been laid to rest: Apple has ushered the iPhone into its Air atmosphere, and we expect this to trigger another front in the smartphone game.
It begs the question: is the product as good as the hype? It seems it is. The National takes a deeper dive into the iPhone Air.
Design: Thin as Air
We're saying this because when Apple uses “Air”, it means it touts a device's compactness.
The iPhone Air does scream slim: at 5.6mm, it beats out the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge's 5.8mm. Though that's the thickness of a strand of hair, numbers are numbers, and so are bragging rights.
And unlike previous cycles in which some iPhones were left out, the iPhone Air has the full suite of buttons, and by that we mean it also has the Action Button and Camera Control, which we'd like to call “convenience buttons” as they're shortcuts to specific functions.
Up front is a 6.5-inch (16.5cm) display, which has a max brightness of 3000 nits – perfect under the desert sun – and Apple's updated Ceramic Shield 2, which the company says provides significantly more toughness. And, in a first, that coating has also been applied on the back for all-around protection.
At the back you'll find the defining design change: a camera block that now spreads across its width. Now this is more than an aesthetic preference: that bigger and longer bump allowed Apple to cram more hardware into the iPhone Air to soup up its different features.
Do note, however, that the iPhone Air does not have Apple's new device-cooling vapour chamber – that is exclusive to the 17 Pro models.
Deeper inside, and without getting too technical, Apple says the combination of boosted efficiency, advancements in artificial intelligence capabilities and a “big upgrade” to the GPU compute abilities of its Neural Engine resulted in what is akin to having a laptop in your palm.
We definitely felt that with its speed and precision. And combined with the fluidity of iOS 26's Liquid Glass, it's just a smooth experience overall.
How tough is it? We had to bend it ourselves
Now, as slim and fragile as it looks, Apple says the iPhone Air is one tough cookie.
Apple went to great lengths to ensure that the iPhone Air is, according to them, its toughest iPhone. In video demonstrations, they sent the device through a gauntlet of stress tests, including simulating drops from various heights and on to different surfaces, which left the iPhone Air unscathed.
But probably the biggest flex Apple did was a bend test with a pressure of 60kg; the results did show the device bend, but it wasn't enough to do anything and the iPhone Air just snapped back to its usual shape as if nothing had happened. According to studies, that's well above the 50kg a human hand can dole out.
So, we gave it a try. And believe us, it was nerve-racking – risking wrecking a 1TB, Dh6,000 device. Well, we did give it a lot of effort and it barely budged. Kudos. (Memories of bendgate on the iPhone 6, anyone?)
Camera: No frills but all thrills
Here's where we're left wondering: the iPhone Air has only one camera – though it has a 48MP sensor with some tricks: at 1x, you get a focal length of 26mm, while 1.5x nets you 35mm; the digital zoom can go all the way to 10x.
The key here is Apple's Fusion technology, which combines hardware, the power of the A19 Pro and artificial intelligence to produce professional-grade photos. Our initial testing showed that the iPhone Air does make good on its promises, with the right balance of colours, brightness and minimal grain in lower-light situations.
Up front is an 18MP camera with Centre Stage, the AI-powered feature first introduced in the M-powered iMacs that automatically detects subjects and adjusts the frame to fit everyone. You won't even need to rotate your phone to landscape orientation as that will be automatically done when needed.
Battery: The best … with a little assist
The iPhone Air spec sheet shows that it would last for up to 27 hours of video playback, which is the lowest among the new set of iPhones, but which is, pound for pound, still good. However, there is a way to make it the longest among them – with the new MagSafe battery specially made for the iPhone Air, which is sold separately for Dh399.
With it, the device will be able to last for up to 40 hours – beating out the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 39 hours. No issues with this, as it easily lasted the whole day with nearly half of its juice ready to go the following morning.
The Verdict
The Apple iPhone Air delivers on its promise to be a great start for a slim iPhone. Though given this final result, we're still convinced that this is what we call a beta version.
Why? Because there's definitely room for another camera and better battery life. It's clear here that Apple is testing the water and, as always, isn't afraid of going with the “minimum”.
But if this is that minimum, we're looking forward to the iPhone Air's next iteration. Saying that it has MacBook-level power to begin with is a bold statement and start.
Is this the future of devices? Yes, especially with the possibility of Apple going for a portless phone. For now, we'd like to see Apple test the limits of a device barely edging out the height of a USB-C port – which would require a new name other than Air. iPhone Hair, anyone?
Pathaan
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Company profile: buybackbazaar.com
Name: buybackbazaar.com
Started: January 2018
Founder(s): Pishu Ganglani and Ricky Husaini
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech, micro finance
Initial investment: $1 million
Abu Dhabi World Pro 2019 remaining schedule:
Wednesday April 24: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-6pm
Thursday April 25: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-5pm
Friday April 26: Finals, 3-6pm
Saturday April 27: Awards ceremony, 4pm and 8pm
More from our neighbourhood series:
CHELSEA SQUAD
Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Rudiger, Christensen, Silva, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, James, Kenedy, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Pulisic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Havertz, Lukaku.
The biog:
Favourite book: The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma
Pet Peeve: Racism
Proudest moment: Graduating from Sorbonne
What puts her off: Dishonesty in all its forms
Happiest period in her life: The beginning of her 30s
Favourite movie: "I have two. The Pursuit of Happiness and Homeless to Harvard"
Role model: Everyone. A child can be my role model
Slogan: The queen of peace, love and positive energy
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
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'Laal Kaptaan'
Director: Navdeep Singh
Stars: Saif Ali Khan, Manav Vij, Deepak Dobriyal, Zoya Hussain
Rating: 2/5
The BIO:
He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal
He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side
By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam
Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border
He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push
His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level
MATCH INFO
English Premiership semi-finals
Saracens 57
Wasps 33
Exeter Chiefs 36
Newcastle Falcons 5
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP5
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Pieces of Her
Stars: Toni Collette, Bella Heathcote, David Wenham, Omari Hardwick
Director: Minkie Spiro
Rating:2/5
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
THE SPECS
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 523hp
Torque: 750Nm
Price: Dh469,000
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Scoreline
Arsenal 0 Manchester City 3
- Agüero 18'
- Kompany 58'
- Silva 65'
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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The%20specs
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More coverage from the Future Forum
The biog
Age: 23
Occupation: Founder of the Studio, formerly an analyst at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Education: Bachelor of science in industrial engineering
Favourite hobby: playing the piano
Favourite quote: "There is a key to every door and a dawn to every dark night"
Family: Married and with a daughter
The%20specs
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Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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THE SPECS – Honda CR-V Touring AWD
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Power: 184hp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 244Nm at 3,900rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
0-100kmh in 9.4 seconds
Top speed: 202kmh
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
Price: From Dh122,900
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Rooney's club record
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2010 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2009 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
List of alleged parties
- May 15 2020: Boris Johnson is said to have attended a Downing Street pizza party
- 27 Nov 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
- Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
- Dec 13 2020: Mr Johnson and his then-fiancee Carrie Symonds throw a flat party
- Dec 14 2020: Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative Party headquarters
- Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
- Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
The biog
Siblings: five brothers and one sister
Education: Bachelors in Political Science at the University of Minnesota
Interests: Swimming, tennis and the gym
Favourite place: UAE
Favourite packet food on the trip: pasta primavera
What he did to pass the time during the trip: listen to audio books
