Why? I really don’t understand. Not everybody needs 3 cameras. 16e with 120hz is more than enough for 80% of customers. For me for sure. Maybe plus wifi6e and magsafe.
Last edited:
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Other iPhone 17 Air: Innovation or Strategic Containment? A Rational Look
- Thread starter huanbrother
- Start date
-
- Tags
- iphone 17 air
- Sort by reaction score
Mini and plus “failures” are easy to explain. Too high price. Same for 16e. SE was doing better. Tech specs have little to do with sales figures. Nobody cares of “pro fitures from Apple”, when ALL cheep android phones have 3 cams and 120hz.
I think the mini was just a niche device and did seem to compete with the SE models. The 16e is selling quite well, but does seem too similar to the main models to me, especially for the price. You seem to be contradicting yourself. If the prices are too high on the lower models, people will just end up buying the pro models specifically for the tech specs.
Most people have their minds made up to be either android or apple customers at this point. cheap android phones with 3 cameras don't compete at all with the latest iphone pro models.
The air will be more fragile also. My 15pm fits fine in my pocket. I have absolutely no desire to make it thinner.
And with that argument the Air won’t fail even more cost it will be about $300 more expensive than the mini?
Agreed - my wife said I always buy something I never use and she is correct.
17 Air will be perfect for my needs as I don't use even 1/4 of the 16 Pro features - still haven't figured out how to use the camera action button with the scrolling features....
Innovation and apple DO NOT belong in the same sentence any longer as it hasn't for many years. They play it safe and watch Samsung take real chances. The mobile tech industry has matured and now it's just all recycled phones, iPod touch and everything in between reput into one device again and released as new product.
No. I think IP Air fate will be different. Even with high price tag. Product line will be close to optimal (entry level - base - thin light fashion -pro). Serves all needs. Every major player is doing this. Apple is behind (as usual). But I hope they will do it right.
Yes, agree - the Air will cater to those like me who want a simple phone that weighs less, uses new silcone anode battery, and has features most used.
I don't use the Pro features so for me and the only reason I get the Pro models are due to the construction (metal vs plastic).
Tell me more, please, about this battery. That’s interesting. I’m unaware…
I wouldn’t hold my breath on that rumor. No comments, Only 1 like on YouTube. Or maybe it was just his voice
Here's MR post on the new Air battery rumored to be around 2.5mm thick:I wouldn’t hold my breath on that rumor. No comments, Only 1 like on YouTube. Or maybe it was just his voice
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/04/iphone-17-air-battery-half-thickness-17-pro/
I get where you’re coming from, but the Plus hasn’t always been the “worst” buy—especially in markets with strong discounts on brand-new iPhones.
Since Nov/Dec 2024, the Plus (128 GB / 256 GB) dropped from 6,999 / 7,999 to 6,199 / 7,199. Regular promos already gave about an 800 cut, and long-term platform users with VIP status or extra coupons could push it to around 1,000 off. For buyers who care about the iOS ecosystem and reliable battery life, that pricing made it hard to dismiss. As a geek I’d go for 256 GB, but most people went for the 128 GB at those prices.
It only really became a poor value this April, when Apple joined the state subsidy program and the 16 Pro 128 GB fell to 5,499—cheaper than the 16 Plus, while offering all the Pro features. At that point, the Plus lost its appeal. But before then, in certain markets, it was actually a very solid buy.(Prices above in CNY.)
Yes, it's a great way to test out the upcoming changes Apple is rumored to offer.
17 Air will definitely be a hit to those of us who don't need super long battery life, fancy camera features, and heavy weight reminder.
I for one will be the first in line for the Air as I am growing weary carrying a heavy pair of iPhones daily (14PM and 16 Pro).
AI garbage presumably, but that notwithstanding…
I agree with the fact that a Plus with 120 hZ would cannibalise the Pro line too much in Apple’s view.
I have the 16 Plus, and I think it’s an excellent choice. I don’t care about 120 hz and I don’t care about the third camera. 5x Zoom would be cool, but not too crucial regardless.
That said, I would pick the 16 Plus over the 17 Air every single day. I agree that the Air is constrained, at least according to current rumours, vs the 16 Plus.
I agree with the fact that a Plus with 120 hZ would cannibalise the Pro line too much in Apple’s view.
I have the 16 Plus, and I think it’s an excellent choice. I don’t care about 120 hz and I don’t care about the third camera. 5x Zoom would be cool, but not too crucial regardless.
That said, I would pick the 16 Plus over the 17 Air every single day. I agree that the Air is constrained, at least according to current rumours, vs the 16 Plus.
The more I think about it I can't wait to see and hold this phone. I think it will be amazing to hold and use, my only worry is that it will be too big for my hands. If it isn't too big for me due to the thinness and weight I will probably get the 18 Air. Hopefully they offer this phone in the future in a smaller size. I wish they would have come out with the Air five years ago.
Last edited:
The 17 Air is just Apple proving how thin you can make a device. Apple has always been obsessed with thin. Just because they can make it thin does not make it a great phone. Thin was demonstrated better in the MacBook Air. Love mine but I will stick with the 17PM.
The 17 AIR will go though battery cycles like crazy!
The 17 AIR will go though battery cycles like crazy!
Last edited:
I was tempted by the Mini for sure but felt it was too small of a display for me. If it had been 5.8” I would have probably gotten it.
The Air will not be replacing the Pro... same as it didn't with the MacBooks or iPads. They're now all in-line with each product which makes a lot more sense.