Apple’s newest iPhone Air has run into an unexpected camera problem. In some cases, photos taken with the device display blacked-out portions or strange visual artifacts when exposed to bright LED light displays. The issue was first flagged in a review by CNN Underscored’s Henry Casey, who noticed the flaw during a concert while testing the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Imaging Glitch Confirmed
In his review, Casey wrote that about one in every ten photos showed small blacked-out sections, often in shots with intense LED lighting. He shared that the problem was consistent enough to raise questions about image reliability during live events or performances where LED boards are common.
Apple confirmed the issue in a statement to CNN Underscored. A company spokesperson explained that the glitch occurs “in very rare cases when an LED light display is extremely bright and shining directly into the camera.” The spokesperson added that Apple has already “identified a fix” and will release it through a future software update. No release date for the update has been provided.
A Lighter iPhone With Trade-offs
The iPhone Air stands apart from Apple’s regular and Pro models because of its slimmer design. Measuring just 0.22 inches thick, it is nearly a third thinner than the iPhone 17 and about 17 percent lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro. Reviewers noted that this reduction in weight makes the phone easier to handle, particularly during long sessions of photo-taking or gaming.
However, this thinner build comes with compromises. The iPhone Air lacks an ultrawide camera, a telephoto lens, and the same level of battery endurance found in the Pro models. It still runs on the powerful A19 Pro chip, ensuring strong performance for apps, multitasking, and games, but its reduced battery capacity limits all-day use without recharging.
Accessibility Benefits
Casey also suggested that the lighter design could make the iPhone Air attractive to users experiencing wrist pain or fatigue from heavier smartphones. While Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge is slightly lighter at 0.07 ounces less, Apple’s choice of titanium for the Air’s frame gives it additional durability without adding weight.
Despite the limitations, the phone inherits features from the Pro line, including ProMotion display technology and Apple’s new 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera. These additions help balance some of the missing elements.
Apple has not provided a timeline for the software fix addressing the imaging glitch. The iPhone Air, priced from $999, will be available to customers starting Friday. Early testing shows that while the device introduces a slimmer, lighter iPhone option, potential buyers must weigh the trade-offs in battery life and camera versatility against the appeal of its design.
