Apple’s latest iPhone Air ships with a single rear 48MP sensor that mirrors the primary camera on the iPhone 17 lineup. Flip the device and the front Center Stage camera offers an 18MP square‑sensor array for selfies and video calls. Coupled with a freshly redesigned Camera app, the hardware now supports new controls, modes, and a zoom wheel that squeeze maximum performance from a single lens.

Getting the Camera app up quickly offers several routes. Swipe left from the lock screen or tap the lower‑right shortcut; iOS 26.1 even lets you disable that gesture in Settings → Camera. The top‑left Action Button can launch the app, and the edge‑mounted Camera Control provides a one‑press entry that can require a double‑tap or an active screen to avoid accidental launches.

Shooting goes beyond a tap. Volume keys snap photos, hold for video, or fire bursts. Press the shutter for QuickTake video; drag right locks recording, drag left triggers bursts. Zoom changes with 1×/2× taps or a sliding flywheel, and tapping the viewfinder sets focus and exposure, which you can lock and tweak. Photographic Styles and aspect‑ratio presets let casual users achieve great results.