The all-new iPhone Air comes in four distinct color options, so which should you choose?

With its ultra-thin titanium frame, large display, and glass back, the ‌iPhone Air‌ takes a different aesthetic direction from the rest of the iPhone lineup. This year’s finishes emphasize lightness and subtle sophistication, reflecting the phone’s positioning as Apple’s thinnest and most design-focused device.

Both Apple’s frosted and bumper cases noticeably show the device’s color. The Air’s full-width camera plateau draws attention to the device’s color even with a case, making it all the more important to choose wisely.

Sky Blue

Sky Blue is the most expressive ‌iPhone Air‌ color choice, offering the most noticeable personality. Under bright daylight, it appears light and airy, in keeping with the device’s name and design ethos. Indoors, the shade deepens somewhat, giving the phone more presence and contrast. It is the most dynamic finish, changing character with the light around it.

It is not a neutral choice, but for many, that’s the point. That being said, it still pairs well with cases. It is similar to the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro’s Sierra Blue finish.

Choose Sky Blue if you want a bold, fresh color that’s unique to the iPhone Air.

Cloud White

Cloud White is the purest and most forgiving finish in the lineup. Its reflective edges and light back makes the ‌iPhone Air‌ feel brighter, thinner, and even more delicate in hand. The neutrality of this color means it complements nearly any case, wallpaper, or environment. It is also the finish most in keeping with Apple’s traditional choices.

From a practical standpoint, Cloud White hides imperfections well. Scratches or chips fade into the background. It will likely look newer for longer, making it the most pragmatic choice for users who care about maintaining a clean appearance. The trade-off is that Cloud White lacks the boldness or distinction of the other options.

Choose Cloud White if you want the most classic, versatile, and long-lasting finish.

Space Black

Space Black is the most severe of the options; it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. Both the sides and the back are a very similar color, turning the Air into a more seamless monolith of glass and metal. This finish may resonate with users who prefer a professional, low-profile aesthetic that pairs neatly with dark outfits or accessories. However, it is the least effective finish at emphasizing the device’s thin profile.

While the ‌iPhone Air‌ is a surprisingly durable device, the Space Black color option is the most vulnerable to damage. The finish creates sharp contrast when it chips or scratches, making wear more obvious than on other models. Fingerprints are also more visible, especially on the polished edges. For users who go caseless, Space Black will likely show its age the fastest.

Choose Space Black if you want a stark, minimalist finish that feels modern and discreet, knowing it may show wear over time and be the least effective at conveying the device’s thin design.

Light Gold

Light Gold sits somewhere in between tradition and flair. Its champagne tone carries a sense of luxury without being ostentatious. In bright light, it looks almost white. At other times it glows warmly and, in dim conditions, it becomes more muted. While subtle, the finish is distinct enough to stand apart from the monochromatic options.

Some users may also find pairing cases with the warmth of Light Gold tricky, since it leans best toward neutral or complementary warm tones. For users who want a device that signals a more sophisticated, luxurious look that compliments the thin design, this may be the best option.

Choose Light Gold if you want a distinctive, sophisticated finish with a little more character than Cloud White.