On September 9, Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the much-hyped iPhone Air, stunning the world with its super-slim design. Measuring just 5.64 mm at its thinnest point, the iPhone Air instantly became the slimmest iPhone ever and one of the sleekest phones globally. Despite compromises to achieve such thinness, the device grabbed worldwide attention and became a hot topic in the tech industry.
But what many have forgotten is that an Indian brand achieved an even slimmer design nearly a decade earlier. In 2015, Micromax launched the Canvas Sliver 5, a smartphone that was just 5.1 mm thin — slimmer than the iPhone Air. At the time, it was recognized as the world’s thinnest smartphone and was seen as India’s bold attempt to challenge global tech giants.
Micromax Canvas Sliver 5: India’s Slim Champion
Launched with Hollywood star Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador, the Canvas Sliver 5 was more than just about slimness. It carried a premium aluminum frame, AMOLED display, and focused heavily on style and portability. Its feather-light build made it stand out in an era when most smartphones were bulky.
Although the phone did not dominate global markets the way Apple devices did, it showcased India’s potential to create innovative, world-class technology. For Indian consumers, it was a proud moment — proof that homegrown brands could set global benchmarks.
A Forgotten Legacy
Today, as Apple basks in the limelight for its iPhone Air, it’s worth remembering that Micromax beat Apple to the slimness race ten years ago. The Canvas Sliver 5 may not have had the ecosystem or marketing might of Apple, but it left a lasting mark in smartphone history.
