iPhone Air The Air just feels great to use, all the hate is so forced.

[bill-p]

Here's what you wrote:



I found you exactly that - an article that does not use any of the words you placed in quotes. Mind you, the article also has a lot of good things to say about the Air, but evidently you can't look past any of the criticisms.

Also, "limit" is not exactly the "equivalence" (I think you meant "equivalent") of "compromise". A limit implies a boundary, while a compromise implies a midway point. But we don't need to get into semantics.

You're arguing the semantics.

The article is not negative, but it is not positive either. "Can't look past any of the criticisms" is a copout for the fact that the article's conclusion is "I still don't think most people should buy it", clearly illustrating what the author felt despite the fact they tried to remain "fair". This is even mentioned up front.

 

[4sallypat]

....Who needs a mobile phone in 2025 with just one camera and one speaker?!
Nuts!

ME

 

[zenmacx]

Let’s also not forget that it’s not the iPhone 17 Air

It’s just the Air.

It absolutely could turn out to be something they just tried or maybe only gets an update every few years or something.

Sort of how SE models were.

It could go either way. The Air is a good first time effort for Apple, even if the shortcomings are rather substantial. Choosing to include only one speaker, one camera and a small battery, the company is counting on the faithful to accept less while paying a premium price.

These shortcomings would be less noticeable if not for the abundance of features on the Airs direct competitor, the Galaxy S25 Edge.

Setting the standard with two cameras, two speakers, and both a larger display and battery while being even lighter, the Edge outperforms the Air substantially.

Time will tell how this slim and light category performs.

 

[kulan]

If it turns out the Air is only a one or two generation phone, then that’s an even more fun reason for me to have one now. I would have loved that I got the chance to use Apple’s incredibly sleek, thin and light phone while it was available.

If it does go the way of the mini and the Plus, at least it’s a breath of fresh “air” now (ha ha), and I can just go back to a Pro whenever.

 

[Melinn]

“Trying to hate on this phone”. 🙃 You make it sound like its a top notch device and everyone disliking it are denying the fact lol😆. Its all subjective. If someone doesn’t like the device it’s because they doesn’t like the device. Good for you if you like it this much😀

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

My personal opinion is... the "compromises" are not actual compromises. Air is basically a "super" version of the iPhone 6 from a decade ago. Back when we used to have thinner and lighter phones. We have actually "compromised" on thickness all in the name of more battery life and more cameras. Sort of like going backward too far into the early 2000s when we had bricks for cell phones.

I guess some are okay with that but I've always thought for decades that as technology progresses, we should get thinner, lighter and more capable devices. But we've hit a plateau. We can either go backward with thickness and weight to try and have more capabilities or we can have thin and light with less capabilities. Looks like the "thicker and more cameras" camp is winning in reality.

That is fine, but I think a lot of younger folks forget Apple's golden years were with thinner, lighter and smaller phones that barely lasted through just one day. The cameras were just workable back then. Now people get a single 48MP sensor and they're thinking "it's not enough", which is comical to me.

I mean the iphone 7 was thinner than 6, while having dual speakers . lol

 

[Astuces iOS]

The buttons on the air are too small for me… Good if you are ok but I don’t see the point of buying the air instead of 17 normal

 

[bevsb2]

It does have the lowest battery life of this years lineup but that’s on par with the 16 pro from last year which I don’t remember anyone complaining about.

It’s considerably better than my 15 pro. I’m at 29% as I type this after heavy usage today (for my use case, off charge at 7am, now nearly midnight in my location) and my pro would need charging by now.

I just feel it gets an unfair reputation and isn’t as bad as many are making out that’s all.

Agree - coming from a 16 Pro, I find no difference in battery life. I charge to 90% in the evening and have plenty left the following evening. I'm not a heavy user which accounts for this, but just want to report that in my experience the Air's battery life is almost identical to what I had with the 16 Pro.

 

[boswald]

I love the design and the color (“Sky Blue”), but after thinking about it again, there’s just too many compromises to justify the price.

 

[Boeingfan]

I don’t understand why so many people are trying to hate on this phone and point out every single one of its flaws over and over.

Because that's what some humans do, they love to tear everything, and everyone, apart..
May I suggest you ignore those humans as they will fill you with bitterness.

Focus on the good humans instead. Focus on the ones that are like minded, who do good things, and enjoy your fabulous new iPhone

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

My main gripe is the camera.

The Air is priced in Pro territory and even has some features that would typically be in that segment, such as the use of titanium and the Pro version SoC.

But to not have a main camera with the larger sensor that is found on the Pro is a dealbreaker for me, because the Air is already limited to just one lens. That means that cropping an image is going to be a lot more destructive.

Now I’m not saying that the Air’s camera is poor in anyway, rather it’s what you’re getting for the money. And keep in mind that the regular 17 has the same main camera and the addition of an ultra-wide, at a smaller price.

I’m sure that physical limitations will have prevented Apple from using the larger sensor, but for me trade-off isn’t worth it.

I would also add that many people are not ‘trying’ to hate, but rather want to spend their money wisely. These are not cheap devices and they’re actually getting more expensive, plus the value of the Air is somewhat confusing given how its positioned in the line-up.

 

[chmania]

I would also add that many people are not ‘trying’ to hate, but rather want to spend their money wisely.

Some people simply got caught up in the hype and are now trying hard to justify the cost (or the waste of money).

 

[sleeptodream]

There's a fair parallel to the 12-inch MacBook from 2016, which Apple hyped as an ultra-portable marvel but quickly pulled the plug on in 2017 after just 18 months. That laptop felt like a proof-of-concept for thinness at the expense of practicality.

The iPhone Air risks a similar fate: in cramming pro-grade guts into a form factor that's "shockingly strong" thanks to Ceramic Shield 2, but the compromises scream "not for everyone."

Some call it "exhausting" for its half-measures (e.g., tinny audio for podcasts, no ultra-wide for group shots). If it doesn't hit volume (like the MacBook didn't), Apple could quietly sunset the "Air" branding by 2027 or pivot to a foldable iPhone experiment instead.

In an era of AI-enhanced photography and spatial audio everywhere, a mono speaker and solo rear cam feel regressive. Who actually needs this in 2025/26?

The mono speaker is temporary, when they go to silicon-carbon batteries both the battery life and speaker issues will be resolved

As for the camera, I don’t need an ultra-wide to take group photos. I play sports and we take team photos all the time, and never use the ultra wide for that. Ya don’t even want to use it for group photos if you can help it, the people near the sides of the frame will be stretched and distorted. My ultra wide got used like once a month, if that

I’m just saying that the Air is nowhere near as gimped as the 12 inch macbooksc

 

[chmania]

I’m just saying that the Air is nowhere near as gimped as the 12 inch macbooksc

The idea is the same; it is an experiment, and any further release will depend on sales. It's been reported that Apple manufactured approximately 90 million of them, and they need to be sold. If that doesn't happen, Apple won't take the hit.

 

[johnmacward]

What's even more sad is that... this is basically a reflection of the upcoming folding iPhone. I do want one but it will again be faced with all of these criticisms about what "compromises" Apple has to make to bring it to reality, and of course people will again be "concerned" about its supposed capabilities.

There's a worrying problem of perfectionism in the psychological sense in the Apple community, and certainly these forums, an idea that one day there will be the holy grail phone... the perfected one. It can be seen in these "compromise" posts that if only they had done X, or made Y 2mm thicker, or waited for Z to become a smaller factor device then somehow the iPhone would reach perfected God-like status - the thinness of the Air, the power of the Pro.

It doesn't work like that - perfectionism doesn't exist. What exists for any of us is "Good enough at that moment". The Air is perfect for what it is at this moment and considering that Apple are actually a pretty competent company, it's highly dubious that the Air will be a flop - because their reputation would be on the line if it was. If you're looking for something shiny, ultra stylish and very, very thin while maybe not being able to game for 6 hours a day, or do lead camera tech on a film set then the Air could be "perfect" for you, especially if you love skinny jeans. It's already over specced for most people who just do browsing online, Facebook, play the odd game and look at their photos - for the vast majority of user cases it's absolutely sufficient. Why does anyone expect that the "stylish, ultra thin" device would need to be the flagship when a MUCH more expensive flagship exists.

 

[johnmacward]

The iPhone Air risks a similar fate: in cramming pro-grade guts into a form factor that's "shockingly strong" thanks to Ceramic Shield 2, but the compromises scream "not for everyone."

But it's not for everyone. What is so hard to understand here ? Apple release different phone categories so that if X doesn't suit you, maybe Y will.

Some call it "exhausting" for its half-measures (e.g., tinny audio for podcasts, no ultra-wide for group shots). If it doesn't hit volume (like the MacBook didn't), Apple could quietly sunset the "Air" branding by 2027 or pivot to a foldable iPhone experiment instead.

Tinny audio for podcasts - so you can still hear it then? Solution: pair your headphones like what most of us do. All other iPhones are not Bowers and Wilkins diamond tweeter magnificent in this regard either. The phone speaker is a compromise on just about any phone.

No ultra-wide for group shots, stand back further like ANY of us would have to do if we had a single lens.

 

[maka344]

There’s a lot of inherent bias though, whether folks realize it or not. Even in that article, which I actually thought was pretty well written, language like “better than expected” and “lackluster battery life” shows sentiments that the author came in with a preconceived mindset.

I get it. And it’s hard NOT to compare it against a more powerful device like the 17 Pro, especially since both are new and were even released on the same day. But Apple has been very intentional with this device. They don’t even call it the 17 Air. It’s just iPhone Air. It’s the same as comparing a MacBook Air to a MacBook Pro.

Sometimes I wonder how the reviews would have gone if the Air had been launched at a separate event with some time in between. Would it have been better evaluated by itself on its own merits?

Of course comparisons are fine to help buyers determine if the specs are going to meet their needs. Even in a MacBook Air review, I’d expect them to say something like “if you need more processing power, you might want to move up to a MacBook Pro” but I wouldn’t expect them to frame it as the inverse. (“If you’re okay with not as great graphics, the MacBook Air is right for you!” lol).

Ironically, when you actually do compare the iPhone Air to the iPhone 16 Pro, performance wise it’s pretty much the same or better. (Minus the additional camera of course.) I haven’t seen many reviews at all with that comparison. It’s always been about comparing it against the rest of what Apple announced that day. The 16 Pro to Air was my upgrade path this go round, and while I do miss the extra cameras, I do feel overall this choice has been a great upgrade for me and I’m quite happy with it. 😀

You’re absolutely right. The Air isn’t a competitor with the Pro line. The Air is a completely new line - who knows where it will go but I expect it to follow the MacBook Air and Pro path. One day, I expect the Air to become the best selling (non-folding) iPhone but it’ll take time, just like the MacBook Air did. Looking at the leaks, Apple plan on releasing a larger Air in 2027 - again similar to the 13” MBA and the 15”. That will have a bigger battery, maybe even an extra camera etc.

Like the MacBook Air, if you want the better speakers, the better screen and the better performance with cooling fans then it’s the MacBook Pro.

I’m not really a Pro use case but prefer the Pro Max size devices for screen size, battery and camera thus; this wins out over the Air for me. It’s my primary device and I don’t use an iPad. In fact, I haven’t used an iPad since the Max sizes devices were a thing.

 

[Entilzha]

There’s no hate from me. It’s a no-go from me for one reason: lack of macro photography. I take a LOT of close up pictures, and the inability of the Air to do that simply removed it from consideration for me.

It felt like a fantastic phone when I played with it at the Apple Store. But that factor alone would prevent me from using it. Maybe if they can slip a second camera into the Air 2 or whatever it ends up being named…

 

[Donkey Man]

My service provider is offering a very good plan to buy that "Air," but they aren't yet offering the iPhone 17—only the 16 (all types). I'll wait until they release the standard 17. Who needs a mobile phone in 2025 with just one camera and one speaker?!
Nuts!

Basically everyone other than TikTokers is happy with one camera and one speaker.

 

[eddie_ducking]

I guess we all assume that Apple will update the Air next year regardless of how well it sells, after all the Mini and the Plus got 2 years each. We can all speculate (and/or hope) what those updates will bring, but after over two weeks of life with my Air (I've let the return window close, it's definitely staying for the next year now) I'm not feeling the need to upgrade it if a second speaker or the addition of an Ultra Wide camera are the updates

A zoom camera might make me think twice (though that's a very unlikely second camera to be added) and possibly increased battery, but even a battery upgrade doesn't presently seem required for my use.

 

[apple contributor]

For an average iPhone 12 user who upgrades do Air, it doesn’t hurt. Or at least not me. The problem with the Air is that I think it’s compared to its siblings more than it should be. If you compare it against older phones, you get something incredible; thin light and better battery life just like always with a new phone.
Choose what you want of course❤️

 

[QuarterSwede]

There’s a lot of inherent bias though, whether folks realize it or not. Even in that article, which I actually thought was pretty well written, language like “better than expected” and “lackluster battery life” shows sentiments that the author came in with a preconceived mindset.

I get it. And it’s hard NOT to compare it against a more powerful device like the 17 Pro, especially since both are new and were even released on the same day. But Apple has been very intentional with this device. They don’t even call it the 17 Air. It’s just iPhone Air. It’s the same as comparing a MacBook Air to a MacBook Pro.

Sometimes I wonder how the reviews would have gone if the Air had been launched at a separate event with some time in between. Would it have been better evaluated by itself on its own merits?

Of course comparisons are fine to help buyers determine if the specs are going to meet their needs. Even in a MacBook Air review, I’d expect them to say something like “if you need more processing power, you might want to move up to a MacBook Pro” but I wouldn’t expect them to frame it as the inverse. (“If you’re okay with not as great graphics, the MacBook Air is right for you!” lol).

Ironically, when you actually do compare the iPhone Air to the iPhone 16 Pro, performance wise it’s pretty much the same or better. (Minus the additional camera of course.) I haven’t seen many reviews at all with that comparison. It’s always been about comparing it against the rest of what Apple announced that day. The 16 Pro to Air was my upgrade path this go round, and while I do miss the extra cameras, I do feel overall this choice has been a great upgrade for me and I’m quite happy with it. 😀

I think the main issue with that comparison, which is sound overall, is that there are a lot more people that want the best camera and/or battery life out there than there are people who need the pro features that the MacBook Pro offer over the MacBook Air.

 

[kulan]

Some people simply got caught up in the hype and are now trying hard to justify the cost (or the waste of money).

That’s funny you claim that while literally no one who has this phone is calling it a value device this year. But you on the other hand, are basically trying to justify why it shouldn’t exist, really looks like you’re the one who is caught up.

Maybe some people don’t care that it costs like $100 or $200 more than it “should”? Or that it’s fine to charge $999 for a phone that pushes the boundaries of engineering? Ever consider that?

Of course not, “it has less cameras, it’s not worth the price!!” This point is so tired and overused when no one is even talking about the Air being “cost-effective” or a “value phone” like all of the naysayers are obsessed with saying.

 

[chmania]

That’s funny you claim that while literally no one who has this phone is calling it a value device this year. But you on the other hand, are basically trying to justify why it shouldn’t exist, really looks like you’re the one who is caught up.

Maybe some people don’t care that it costs like $100 or $200 more than it “should”? Or that it’s fine to charge $999 for a phone that pushes the boundaries of engineering? Ever consider that?

Of course not, “it has less cameras, it’s not worth the price!!” This point is so tired and overused when no one is even talking about the Air being “cost-effective” or a “value phone” like all of the naysayers are obsessed with saying.

The difference is that I haven't wasted that money, while you’re trying hard to justify your expenditure. Use it for, say, three months, and then come back. You've only had it for a few days. You are in uncharted waters.

 

[kulan]

The difference is that I haven't wasted that money, while you’re trying hard to justify your expenditure. Use it for, say, three months, and then come back. You've only had it for a few days. You are in uncharted waters.

Oh so now you’re the arbiter of which of my purchases is wasted money, get a life.