iPhone Air The two types of people who use iPhone Air

[awshucks]

I have recently figured out that most iPhone Air owners likely fit into two categories.

1. There are those who are curious for new tech all the time, and find the Air something cool and different. They will only keep the Air 1-2 years. Their next phone will probably be a Fold/Ultra.
2. There are those who will be so happy with the thin and light form factor that they will not want to upgrade from it just like the iPhone 12/13 mini owners. This is assuming that Apple does not come out with any more Airs after the 2. These people will keep their Air 1/Air 2 for 7+ years.

Personally, I've been upgrading my phone every 2 years. I wonder if I can make it to 4 years this time.
What category do you fall in as an Air owner?

Whether or not you own one, I'd like to see some elaboration on my thoughts.

 

[mlayer]

I would consider myself a #2 in your descriptions. I like the Air a lot, and I expect to keep it for two years if not longer. However, Apple is reportedly slated to release a slew of phones in the next 18 months, which could change my strategy. I also owned a 12 mini which I also kept for 3 years.

 

[James6s]

I’d say I’m mainly number 2 but the first sentence of number 1 sort of applies as well! I have no interest in the foldable iPhone though.

I got an Air on launch day last year but convinced myself that the compromises were too much, so I sold it! Fast forward to May 2026 and I got myself another Air after constantly thinking about it and the lasting impression it left… this time around I love it and appreciate it much more.

I’ll no doubt be getting the Air 2 next year, and after that I’ll see what the iPhone 20th anniversary brings to the table, and possibly pick one up into 2028! Hopefully it won’t be a thick heavy brick lol

 

[3Rock]

For me, I had the 17 Pro Max and after a few short months, I decided to exchange it and got the air. Very happy with my decision and my next phone will probably be the fold/ultra.

 

[bevsb2]

I'm in group 2 and have had the Air since launch. I'll upgrade to the Air 2 when it comes out and if it doesn't I'll keep the Air 1 for another year and then probably go back to the Pro (not max). I don't have any interest in a folding phone.

 

[Macdctr]

I have been a Pro Max user without a doubt since the 11 Pro Max when it came out then I upgraded from that iPhone to my 15 Pro Max and until 6 months ago had this mindset until I got my Air on launch then realized the Air shared some similarities as the 12 mini and 13 mini regarding bad publicity so I purchased one of each to try out and realized just how much I liked the small 5.4 inch form factor.

I guess I fall into category #2 as I’m using my Green 256GB 13 mini as my backup iPhone to my Air. My only regret is that I never looked at either the 12 mini or 13 mini when it was being sold. My mindset on getting a new iPhone has changed as a result.

 

[eyoungren]

Personally, I've been upgrading my phone every 2 years. I wonder if I can make it to 4 years this time.

I am 5+ years on with my 11 Pro Max. And you wonder if you can make it 4 years. SMH.

I am neither. Not interested in the Air, not interested in a folding phone. And unlike @Macdctr this is unlikely to change for me. The moment Apple offers a phone larger than the Pro Max, I'm on it.

On my desk sits my iPhone 5 and my wife's iPhone 5. And at any time I can reach over and grab my 3GS, 4 or 4s. These devices serve to remind me that as great as these old phones were in their day (the iPhone 5 was my primary from 2012 to 2015), smaller phones are now too small for me.

I do agree with your assessment about iPhone Air users though. I believe it's a common enough assessment that can apply to just about any unique Apple device.

 

[Apple_Robert]

If Apple releases an iPhone Air 2, (which I really don't think will happen) I will upgrade. Unless something changes, I am not currently interested in spending $2K+ on an iPhone, especially when I don't use it as much as a lot of people do. I have no desire to make the iPhone my sole or primary device. I am also not interested in going back to a thick pro max.

 

[RumorConsumer]

I couldn't justify carrying a brick in my pocket. My wrist hasn't hurt since I got the Air at launch. No regrets here. Have had every phone since 1, always got Pro when it was a thing. Til now.

 

[Marko3563]

I am #1. I went with the Air last year and I will still defend it as a beautiful device that is unique and gets hate that it doesnt deserve.

However, I have realized over the year that I do miss the extra cameras and the battery leaves much to be desired so I may suck it up and go back to the Pro Max. I have NO REGRETS with this beauty and love its thin design, but I do miss the tradeoffs.

 

[gigaguy]

I think Air 2 is in Apple's plans. My (discounted) Air is so pleasant to use. I like finding ways to be less gadget focused. My 15 Pro Max had the worst battery and overheating I've ever had (79% life after 2.5 years). It may be the Texas heat but my iPhone XR lasted 2X as long. I'm done with Apple's yearly creep of 'must have' iphone tech. The Air is a refreshing change..

 

[arc of the universe]

I have recently figured out that most iPhone Air owners likely fit into two categories.

1. There are those who are curious for new tech all the time, and find the Air something cool and different. They will only keep the Air 1-2 years. Their next phone will probably be a Fold/Ultra.
2. There are those who will be so happy with the thin and light form factor that they will not want to upgrade from it just like the iPhone 12/13 mini owners. This is assuming that Apple does not come out with any more Airs after the 2. These people will keep their Air 1/Air 2 for 7+ years.

Whether or not you own one, I'd like to see some elaboration on my thoughts.

i haven't ever thought about it in the way you have parsed it.
but it does appear you have been able to neatly define the two (very different) groups.
i am in the 2nd group.
i wanted thin and light yet semi-big. all three were important for me.
but i don't think it will last 7 years...
when i bought it i factored in a (likely) slightly shorter time before i need to have the internal battery replaced (probably after 3 years i figure). i bought it in september 2025 and the battery is (of course) still 100%. but what surprises me is the cycle count is still only 121 as of today, in spite of having used it for around 250 days. i keep it at an 80% charging level to see if it will help with long term battery health. will know in a few years.
im thinking it was a great purchase and probably i will simply want to get a new phone in maybe 5 years.