iPhone Air Air to ProMax, now back to Air

[chrisgazpacho]

The iPhone Air is my favorite iPhone since the XS Max, but it has taken me the month to come to this conclusion. I have been a plus user since the iPhone 6 and have always been on the "give me the biggest screen train". But once we got to the 16 Pro Max I started to realize we were paying a price for this and the weight and bulk was really becoming an issue.

I ordered an Air at launch and loved it out of the box. It looked and felt like iPhones of old, but also something new entirely. But I was also so concerned about what I was missing out on in specs with the Max and started to worry I was making a mistake giving up the extra features. I was constantly checking battery performance, and trying to test it and not just use it, I was so afraid that it couldn't possibly replace a Max for me. I finally got tired of the worry and I put in a replacement order for a 17 Pro Max. Thankfully I have 30 days for returns on my work account.

While I waited for it to come in I continued to use the AIR. I traveled for work for a week and that's when I truly got to put the phone to the test and was able to just use it, not worry about what I was losing out on. In that week of traveling it was just the perfect phone. I loved it. But, when I got back from my trip I still swapped to the 17 Pro max as it had come in while I was gone. The larger screen was nice, and I enjoyed the telephoto lens at a concert, and also not thinking about battery life. But the user experience felt so different, it felt cold. Also heavy, and somehow, dated feeling. I had erased my AIR and boxed it up for return, but as I walking out of the office on a Friday, I stopped went back to my desk and grabbed the AIR and used it for the whole weekend. That's when I realized the Max is not for me anymore. So I now have another Air coming in (have to return 2 phones, to get another phone, weird but that's the way it worked.) I can't go back to the big phones after using the Air and using it for what it is, and not worrying about what it's not. There's no going back now, only forward.

Chris

 

[Sammy in SoCal]

I went through a similar experience in the last month, but it was between the iPhone 17 Pro versus the iPhone 17 Pro Max. I had the 17 Pro first and enjoyed the smaller size and experience compared to the 15 pro max I had before it. But I went back to Apple and picked up a 17 Pro Max because I said it’s only $100 more and I get so much more battery and screen. But when I had the pro Max, it was a miserable experience because if it felt like a tablet compared to the smaller pro. It was unwieldy. It didn’t feel right after having the smaller pro for two weeks. So yep, I returned the Pro Max and got a smaller pro again. I didn’t experience the air, but having seen/felt it at the Apple Store, I don’t think I would go for the hardware compromises. The smaller pro is not as light and thin as the air, but I think it’s the perfect phone in the lineup If you want to have the smaller lighter phone experience with no hardware compromises

 

[nepalisherpa]

I have always been a "big phone" guy with the exception of 12 Mini (which I enjoyed for three years). After 12 Mini, I upgraded to a 15 Pro Max. I hated carrying it around but, at the same time, I also enjoyed the big screen.

When 17 series were introduced, I was not interested in any of them, however, when my wife's 17 Pro was delivered and I was setting it up for her, I loved the size and decided to upgrade to it from 15 Pro Max. I ordered a 17 Pro for myself. It was delivered and I was happy with it.

Then, few days later, I happen to be near an Apple store and decided to stop by. I checked out Air and I was amazed at how thin/light it felt. I bought one to try with my 17 Pro. After a week, I returned my 17 Pro. With Air, I get closer to Pro Max size screen without the bulk.

 

[Tsepz]

The iPhone Air is my favorite iPhone since the XS Max, but it has taken me the month to come to this conclusion. I have been a plus user since the iPhone 6 and have always been on the "give me the biggest screen train". But once we got to the 16 Pro Max I started to realize we were paying a price for this and the weight and bulk was really becoming an issue.

I ordered an Air at launch and loved it out of the box. It looked and felt like iPhones of old, but also something new entirely. But I was also so concerned about what I was missing out on in specs with the Max and started to worry I was making a mistake giving up the extra features. I was constantly checking battery performance, and trying to test it and not just use it, I was so afraid that it couldn't possibly replace a Max for me. I finally got tired of the worry and I put in a replacement order for a 17 Pro Max. Thankfully I have 30 days for returns on my work account.

While I waited for it to come in I continued to use the AIR. I traveled for work for a week and that's when I truly got to put the phone to the test and was able to just use it, not worry about what I was losing out on. In that week of traveling it was just the perfect phone. I loved it. But, when I got back from my trip I still swapped to the 17 Pro max as it had come in while I was gone. The larger screen was nice, and I enjoyed the telephoto lens at a concert, and also not thinking about battery life. But the user experience felt so different, it felt cold. Also heavy, and somehow, dated feeling. I had erased my AIR and boxed it up for return, but as I walking out of the office on a Friday, I stopped went back to my desk and grabbed the AIR and used it for the whole weekend. That's when I realized the Max is not for me anymore. So I now have another Air coming in (have to return 2 phones, to get another phone, weird but that's the way it worked.) I can't go back to the big phones after using the Air and using it for what it is, and not worrying about what it's not. There's no going back now, only forward.

Chris

That is amazing, as long as you are happy with your AIR, that is what matters.
It’s good to try things out as you just never know, especially if you prefer something lighter/less unwieldy.

 

[awintersdaybyth]

I really don’t get why mini users ever went to the max. No offence to anyone who did but I just don’t get it! It seems to me that they’re pretty much polar opposites

 

[osx86]

The iPhone Air is my favorite iPhone since the XS Max, but it has taken me the month to come to this conclusion. I have been a plus user since the iPhone 6 and have always been on the "give me the biggest screen train". But once we got to the 16 Pro Max I started to realize we were paying a price for this and the weight and bulk was really becoming an issue.

I ordered an Air at launch and loved it out of the box. It looked and felt like iPhones of old, but also something new entirely. But I was also so concerned about what I was missing out on in specs with the Max and started to worry I was making a mistake giving up the extra features. I was constantly checking battery performance, and trying to test it and not just use it, I was so afraid that it couldn't possibly replace a Max for me. I finally got tired of the worry and I put in a replacement order for a 17 Pro Max. Thankfully I have 30 days for returns on my work account.

While I waited for it to come in I continued to use the AIR. I traveled for work for a week and that's when I truly got to put the phone to the test and was able to just use it, not worry about what I was losing out on. In that week of traveling it was just the perfect phone. I loved it. But, when I got back from my trip I still swapped to the 17 Pro max as it had come in while I was gone. The larger screen was nice, and I enjoyed the telephoto lens at a concert, and also not thinking about battery life. But the user experience felt so different, it felt cold. Also heavy, and somehow, dated feeling. I had erased my AIR and boxed it up for return, but as I walking out of the office on a Friday, I stopped went back to my desk and grabbed the AIR and used it for the whole weekend. That's when I realized the Max is not for me anymore. So I now have another Air coming in (have to return 2 phones, to get another phone, weird but that's the way it worked.) I can't go back to the big phones after using the Air and using it for what it is, and not worrying about what it's not. There's no going back now, only forward.

Chris

I came to the exact same conclusion. Battery life has been better than my old 16pro and the screen size is perfect (Just slightly bigger than the regular 17 but not as unwieldy as the max)

 

[nepalisherpa]

I really don’t get why mini users ever went to the max. No offence to anyone who did but I just don’t get it! It seems to me that they’re pretty much polar opposites

Preferences change....that's our nature! It's as simple as that.

 

[GDF]

I came to the exact same conclusion. Battery life has been better than my old 16pro and the screen size is perfect (Just slightly bigger than the regular 17 but not as unwieldy as the max)

I still think the battery life was better on my 16 Pro than the Air, especially when making phone calls/teams meetings/internet usage and being in fringe cellular areas. The Air drains faster in those scenarios.

I am not saying the Air is terrible, just not as good if trying to make the Air last all day in those scenarios, as it will not happen.

It has happened to me enough lately, that I am considering go to the 17 Pro. Really like the Air, but need the battery to last longer and really don’t want to carry around the battery pack, as that defeats the purpose of it being so light/thin and then costs as much as the 17 Pro if get the Apple battery pack, which is what I would get.

 

[dapa0s]

I just got the 17 Pro Max, after having the Air for more than a month.

Once the honeymoon period was over with the Air, I just couldn't stand it anymore. The lack of stereo speakers and so much missing in the whole camera system is just what did it for me.

In the first two weeks of having the Air, when I would take an older iPhone, like the 15 Pro Max, the difference was massive and I was really hyped to have the Air. And now? Not so much, in fact, I prefer the bigger phone, I feel like it's more substantial, with a better battery, camera system, speakers, etc.

Can't wait to get rid of the Air, overall it was a horrible experience.

 

[Spinarelo]

Man I'm so glad this is the year I got disciplined and decided to hold on to my current phone (16PM).... The more of these threads I see the more I'm convinced I would have been one of these tortured souls flip flopping between these 2 phones..... I've always been a Pro Max guy but man does the Air feel amazing..... I was so tempted to get one, but the lack of ultrawide lens stopped me. In the end I decided to keep my current phone and see what next year brings.

 

[dapa0s]

Man I'm so glad this is the year I got disciplined and decided to hold on to my current phone (16PM).... The more of these threads I see the more I'm convinced I would have been one of these tortured souls flip flopping between these 2 phones..... I've always been a Pro Max guy but man does the Air feel amazing..... I was so tempted to get one, but the lack of ultrawide lens stopped me. In the end I decided to keep my current phone and see what next year brings.

I get it, and the 16PM is still a great phone. But I, personally, wasn't a "tortured soul" that flip flopped at all, I instantly wanted the Air and just went out and bought it on day one.

But it was truly a horrible experience, the honeymoon phase wears off, and I just completely didn't care about the form factor. Nor will I in the future. I'd assume that most people do/will feel like that. The Air needs a better battery, at least one more camera, and stereo speakers, this is just not good enough for 2025. It's great if you compare it to the iPhone X or XS lol...

 

[Krabba]

But it was truly a horrible experience, the honeymoon phase wears off, and I just completely didn't care about the form factor. Nor will I in the future. I'd assume that most people do/will feel like that.

I wouldn’t assume that at all. I’ve had my Air since launch day and it still feels amazing every time I pick it up, especially after picking up my wife’s 15 PM. Based on the couple other people I know who have one and a good number of posts on this forum, I tend to think most who try the Air will keep it. Thin/light/strongest materials/ looks are “features” too and some value them more than extra camera lenses, speakers and battery. Different strokes for different folks and all that.

 

[Donkey Man]

The iPhone Air is my favorite iPhone since the XS Max, but it has taken me the month to come to this conclusion. I have been a plus user since the iPhone 6 and have always been on the "give me the biggest screen train". But once we got to the 16 Pro Max I started to realize we were paying a price for this and the weight and bulk was really becoming an issue.

I ordered an Air at launch and loved it out of the box. It looked and felt like iPhones of old, but also something new entirely. But I was also so concerned about what I was missing out on in specs with the Max and started to worry I was making a mistake giving up the extra features. I was constantly checking battery performance, and trying to test it and not just use it, I was so afraid that it couldn't possibly replace a Max for me. I finally got tired of the worry and I put in a replacement order for a 17 Pro Max. Thankfully I have 30 days for returns on my work account.

While I waited for it to come in I continued to use the AIR. I traveled for work for a week and that's when I truly got to put the phone to the test and was able to just use it, not worry about what I was losing out on. In that week of traveling it was just the perfect phone. I loved it. But, when I got back from my trip I still swapped to the 17 Pro max as it had come in while I was gone. The larger screen was nice, and I enjoyed the telephoto lens at a concert, and also not thinking about battery life. But the user experience felt so different, it felt cold. Also heavy, and somehow, dated feeling. I had erased my AIR and boxed it up for return, but as I walking out of the office on a Friday, I stopped went back to my desk and grabbed the AIR and used it for the whole weekend. That's when I realized the Max is not for me anymore. So I now have another Air coming in (have to return 2 phones, to get another phone, weird but that's the way it worked.) I can't go back to the big phones after using the Air and using it for what it is, and not worrying about what it's not. There's no going back now, only forward.

Chris

The Air is, hands down, the best iPhone since the X - EXCELLENT battery life (mine is lasting at least 1.5 day under normal usage), razor thin, light, fine camera for daily use, and with incredible performance.

In my view, there are zero compromises in the Air unless you’re a TikToker or iJustine.

 

[dapa0s]

The Air is, hands down, the best iPhone since the X - EXCELLENT battery life (mine is lasting at least 1.5 day under normal usage), razor thin, light, fine camera for daily use, and with incredible performance.

In my view, there are zero compromises in the Air unless you’re a TikToker or iJustine.

Around 99% of tech reviewers hate the Air.

I wouldn’t assume that at all. I’ve had my Air since launch day and it still feels amazing every time I pick it up, especially after picking up my wife’s 15 PM. Based on the couple other people I know who have one and a good number of posts on this forum, I tend to think most who try the Air will keep it. Thin/light/strongest materials/ looks are “features” too and some value them more than extra camera lenses, speakers and battery. Different strokes for different folks and all that.

You are among the 1% of people that will buy and actually keep the Air. I think the actual current number is around 3%?

 

[Krabba]

Around 99% of tech reviewers hate the Air.

We must read and watch different reviewers.

You are among the 1% of people that will buy and actually keep the Air. I think the actual current number is around 3%?

So you're saying 97% of purchased Air's get returned? Please link us to a story about this.

 

[Donkey Man]

Around 99% of tech reviewers hate the Air.

You are among the 1% of people that will buy and actually keep the Air. I think the actual current number is around 3%?

Who the heck cares about "reviewers"? Are those the click-bait idiots who post their YouTube videos with silly-looking faces? I have my own opinion as a happy Air owner, and don't need a reviewer to double-guess it.

 

[BigMcGuire]

For the first time in my life I returned an iPhone I purchased within the return period. Went from a 15 Pro Max to a 17 Pro 2 weeks ago, and last day I turned it in for an Air. I'm done and tired of big heavy phones.

I have long desired a phone I WANT to hold and use. The 17 Pro gave me more of that feeling than the 15 Pro Max ever did (which I owned for 2 years and a month). The 15 Pro Max was not enjoyable to hold and use. The 17 Pro was a step in the right direction. However, still big and heavy.

The Air? I WANT to use this phone and hold it. This is the biggest factor why I went Air. I'm constantly around means to charge. Most of my photos are 1x - my wife owns a full framed DSLR and a 17 Pro. And 9.99 times out of 10 I'm using AirPods when I do anything audio related. The speaker is good enough for the few times I'll ever use it. Calls are clear and enjoyable.

I spent a month+ watching hundreds of YouTube videos on these phones before upgrading this year (normally I pre-order). What I learned? Most of these reviewers are driven to make videos for sponsor $, most don't actually use the phone, most repeat lies they see on the internet for clicks, all those videos were of little to no use to me the day I set foot in an Apple Store and held the phones in my hand.

In the end, you gotta do what works for you. There's compromises and costs to everything. A Porsche 911 GT3 RS isn't going to be able to haul a bunk bed in the trunk. A moving van isn't going to be able to take turns or accelerate at breakneck speeds. Nothing replaces going to the store and checking it out yourself.

 

[nepalisherpa]

Around 99% of tech reviewers hate the Air.

You are among the 1% of people that will buy and actually keep the Air. I think the actual current number is around 3%?

Where did this stat come from?

 

[Rangers94]

Around 99% of tech reviewers hate the Air.

You are among the 1% of people that will buy and actually keep the Air. I think the actual current number is around 3%?

Tech reviewers are out of touch with normal everyday people who aren’t creators or make videos for a living.

The problem with the Air (for now) is that most average consumers “think” they need the Pro phone with the absolute best cameras or battery when in reality they’d be more happy with the Air. Most normal users don’t even utilize all the “Pro” features in a Pro Phone.

I’ve been using strictly Pro Max's for many years until I felt the iPhone Air. My 15 Pro Max now feels like an absolute brick when I go back to it and that’s not exaggerating. I don’t see myself ever going back to a Pro Max brick phone.

Apple needs to get iPhone Airs in more people’s hand..whether that be by better marketing and/or lowering its price. I guarantee you half the people using Pro Max phones if they gave the Air a chance they’d switch. I tried the 17 Pro Max and it was a PITA to use compared to the Air which is an absolute joy to use.

 

[dapa0s]

iPhone Air Sales Are So Bad That Apple's Delaying the Next-Generation Version

The thin, light iPhone Air sold so poorly that Apple has decided to delay the launch of the next-generation iPhone Air that was scheduled to come out alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, reports The Information . Apple initially planned to release a new iPhone Air in fall 2026, but now that's not going...

www.macrumors.com

 

[bsmr]

iPhone Air Sales Are So Bad That Apple's Delaying the Next-Generation Version

The thin, light iPhone Air sold so poorly that Apple has decided to delay the launch of the next-generation iPhone Air that was scheduled to come out alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, reports The Information . Apple initially planned to release a new iPhone Air in fall 2026, but now that's not going...

www.macrumors.com

Let's wait and see if this is really true... I don't think so... Just another form of 'marketing' as Apple didn't push any Air ads at all.