This story is from September 10, 2025

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s unexpected take on Apple’s iPhone Air: ‘First new iPhone upgrade I have….’

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s unexpected take on Apple’s iPhone Air: ‘First new iPhone upgrade I have….’
Apple’s 2025 “Awe Dropping” event has captured global attention with the launch of the iPhone Air, celebrated as the “thinnest iPhone ever.” Measuring just 5.6 mm in thickness and weighing a mere 165 grams, the device delivers a lightweight, sleek, premium, futuristic, and remarkably durable experience. Alongside the Air, Apple also introduced the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, as well as Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3, further solidifying its unmatched ecosystem dominance. The highly anticipated launch has generated massive worldwide buzz across social media platforms, technology forums, industry panels, tech blogs, and consumer communities alike. Among notable reactions, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised the iPhone Air, calling it the first Apple upgrade he’s genuinely excited about in years, highlighting its significance even to forward-thinking industry innovators and dedicated Apple fans worldwide.

Sam Altman praises iPhone Air for its sleek design and features

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter): “First new iPhone upgrade I have really wanted in awhile! Looks very cool.”Altman’s endorsement signals that Apple’s innovative design and cutting-edge technology appeal not only to general consumers but also to leading tech innovators globally, including prominent figures in AI and software development. His reaction amplified social media conversations, inspiring lively debates on the iPhone Air’s advantages, performance features, design improvements, and comparisons with the iPhone 17 Pro.
His endorsement further highlights how Apple continues to shape trends, influence leaders across AI, software, and broader technology sectors, and maintain its reputation as a pioneer in consumer electronics and innovation-driven markets.

Apple unveils iPhone Air: Inside the ultra-thin Japanese-inspired design

Apple described the iPhone Air as “impossibly thin and light,” emphasising portability without sacrificing durability or premium feel. Its aerospace-grade aluminum frame and reinforced glass design ensure the device feels solid, sleek, and luxurious despite its lightweight build. The 5.6 mm thickness represents Apple’s ongoing focus on minimalist design, aligning with the company’s strategy to combine aesthetic appeal with practical usability, ergonomic comfort, and seamless functionality for everyday use. In addition, the iPhone 17 series brings major upgrades in display, battery, processing speed, and camera performance, maintaining Apple’s reputation for innovation, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.Beyond the hardware, Apple unveiled enhanced software features, including iOS 19 improvements for faster multitasking, new interactive widgets, AI-powered photography tools, and intelligent personalization options, which further enhance the overall user experience, convenience, and customization on the iPhone Air, while also improving battery efficiency, seamless app integration, augmented reality experiences, and accessibility for users with diverse needs.

iPhone Air: Specifications, pricing and more information

The iPhone Air is Apple’s latest smartphone, designed to combine sleek design with powerful performance. It features advanced hardware, a high-resolution display, and cutting-edge camera technology. With a lightweight build and innovative features, the iPhone Air offers an enhanced user experience. Features:The iPhone Air measures just 5.6 millimeters in thickness, making it roughly a third thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, and it weighs 165 grams. Its 6.5-inch ProMotion display sits within a lightweight titanium-aluminum frame, combining durability with elegance.The iPhone Air’s camera system features 28mm and 35mm lenses, offering four focal lengths in total. The front-facing camera incorporates the Center Stage sensor, similar to other models in the iPhone 17 lineup.Accessories: For protection and style, two cases are available: a translucent case less than 1mm thick in frost and shadow shades, and a lightweight bumper case offered in all four phone colors. Apple is additionally offering a cross-body strap to carry the iPhone Air conveniently.ColoursThe iPhone Air will be available in black, white, light gold, and light blue.Pricing
  • The 256GB iPhone Air is priced at Rs 1,19,900 in India, with pre-orders starting on September 12 and sales commencing on September 26.
  • The 256GB iPhone Air is priced at $999 (approx. Rs 88,120) in the United States.
iPhone Air pre-orderPre-orders for the iPhone Air begin Friday, September 12.

Apple’s iPhone Air sparks buzz with seamless ecosystem features

Apple emphasised how the iPhone Air works seamlessly with its ecosystem. Users can pair it with Apple Watch Series 11, AirPods Pro 3, HomePod devices, and iCloud services, creating a fully integrated connected experience. Features like Handoff, Continuity Camera, Universal Control, and AirDrop enable effortless interaction across devices. This ecosystem approach ensures that the iPhone Air is not just a phone but a central hub for productivity, entertainment, communication, and smart home management.The launch sparked a flurry of reactions online. Some users celebrated the ultra-thin design, portability, and elegant aesthetics, agreeing with Altman’s enthusiasm. Others debated whether the Air or Pro model offers better value. Questions about durability, camera performance, battery life, and long-term usability dominated discussions.Also Read | How to use Nano Banana AI: Step-by-step guide and tips to create stunning 3D figurines from photos instantly for free

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About the AuthorTOI Tech Desk

The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.

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