In a post-launch interview with The Wall Street Journal, CEO Tim Cook and top executives like Molly Anderson (VP of industrial design) and Alan Dye (VP of human interface design) opened up about the device’s “shockingly thin” build and what it means for how we carry our tech. Announced Tuesday at Apple’s Cupertino event, the iPhone Air hits stores on September 19, 2025, and this chat gives us the inside scoop on its creation.
Tim Cook didn’t hold back when describing the iPhone Air’s featherlight feel. “It does seem like it’s going to fly away when you’re holding it,” he told WSJ, capturing the device’s airy allure. At just 5.6mm thick—thinner than a classic Cartier “Love” bracelet—it’s Apple’s leanest iPhone yet, 36% slimmer than the iPhone 17 Pro. Cook emphasized personalization, saying, “When something becomes so much a part of you, it needs to reflect your style. We’re saying this product is so personal that it needs to reflect you. And you are the best person to decide what that means.”
Molly Anderson, who’s been chasing this vision for years, called the iPhone Air “something that we dreamed about for a long time, to make just an incredibly, shockingly thin iPhone.” The polished, reflective finish isn’t just pretty—it’s functional, enhancing the illusion of even greater thinness. “Being able to bring that kind of luster evokes a different sense of what the phone is and how people use it and how they wear it,” she explained. Anderson was candid about the trade-offs. The Air skips some Pro-level power, like extended battery life and top-tier cameras, to keep things light. “I like that it’s a hard choice,” she said, pitting the Air’s poise against the Pro’s muscle.
External voices echoed this. Stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson noted to WSJ, “I was surprised to find that ‘thin is in,’ as it were, has made its way to the tech market from the fashion space.” Filmmaker Lena Dunham added a personal touch: “I change iPhone cases like I change my mood. For me, it’s about decorating this item that is universal and turning it into something personal.” Even Lev Tanju, the co-founder of the London skate brand Palace, admitted that, “The Air is the one I was instantly attracted to… it just looks so cool.”
The executives didn’t sugarcoat the compromises. The iPhone Air trades battery endurance and camera prowess for its slim profile, making it ideal for style-savvy users rather than pro creators—who might prefer the iPhone 17 Pro’s cosmic orange or dark blue finishes. Design expert Deyan Sudjic raised a practical point: extreme thinness could mean phones slipping into tight spots, like airplane seats.
On future plans, Cook stayed coy about foldable rumors. “We’re really good at keeping secrets,” he quipped, focusing instead on the Air’s immediate impact.
If you’re torn between style and specs, which side wins for you? Share in the comments. Stay updated with the latest news and deals by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
