iPhone Air Do you still love the iPhone Air?

[subjonas]

I have no plans to get an Air 2. I keep my phone on my MagSafe Duo when not in use, so a bigger battery is not convincing.

The only thing I'm hoping for in Air 2 is DisplayPort because it's something I miss and I don't imagine adding it would affect size or weight noticeably if at all. Otherwise the Air 1 is perfect for me.
Of course I would like another camera lens but I don't think it's possible to add it without increasing the size/weight of the phone noticeably, which I don't want. And yes, a bigger heavier battery is definitely not something I'm wanting.

 

[cmbarclay]

Love it!

 

[MICHAELSD]

Good review.

Yeah I tell friends who are interested in the Air that they probably shouldn’t get it if:
- they’re a heavy camera user OR
- they play graphics-intensive games OR
- they're a heavy phone user in general AND unable or unwilling to charge at times throughout the day
(There can be more reasons like the speaker, but I think these are the most prominent)

I suppose everyone has their own definition of “heavy phone user”, but I would say 4 hours of active use starts getting into heavy territory. During the week I use my phone a lot more than 4 hours at work and in my car, but my phone is always charging in those places so that doesn’t really count. The true normal battery test for me is on weekends when I’m out and about away from chargers. I don’t really track my usage time but I would say I’m a light to moderate user and so I almost always end up with tons of battery left over at the end of the day with my Air. I even forget to charge overnight a lot and it sometimes still lasts me most or all of the next day. Maybe on those days I’m an ultralight user haha. But yes, though the Air is great for me, it’s certainly not for everyone.

So the 17s give you headaches but the Air doesn’t? That’s strange, I thought they all pretty much share the same OLED screen tech.

Thanks. Yeah, the Air is really for somebody who wants to make a statement with its thinness and/or really values having the most premium design and materials possible. I thought that I would fit into one of those categories, but I’d rather have more features and battery. Had there been one additional next-generation tech feature before it reached the other iPhones, like a carbon battery or more advanced OLED, on the Air à la iPhone X being a preview of the future that might have made it more compelling.

Every OLED iPhone since iPhone X has given me headaches that make the device basically unusable. I do have to say that the PWM toggle, which is available on iPhone Air as well as all iPhone 17 models, does help to almost entirely eliminate specifically behind-the-eye throbbing that I’ve experienced but tension headaches and some degree of migraines are not out of the question. That may be another reason I want a more full-fledged iPhone: not being able to use latter-generation devices has left me stuck with a more basic device, currently iPhone SE third-generation, and there are incredible features like stereo widening that are simply missing on iPhone Air. I also thought coming from a more basic device that already has a smaller battery and one camera sensor would make the Air more appealing; alas, the new form factor hasn’t made the impression I expected where I’d value the thinness over a complete experience. The new display is probably a sweet spot though as it’s rare that I don’t find an iPhone display either too small or too large.

 

[Garethe86]

Thanks. Yeah, the Air is really for somebody who wants to make a statement with its thinness and/or really values having the most premium design and materials possible. I thought that I would fit into one of those categories, but I’d rather have more features and battery. Had there been one additional next-generation tech feature before it reached the other iPhones, like a carbon battery or more advanced OLED, on the Air à la iPhone X being a preview of the future that might have made it more compelling.

Every OLED iPhone since iPhone X has given me headaches that make the device basically unusable. I do have to say that the PWM toggle, which is available on iPhone Air as well as all iPhone 17 models, does help to almost entirely eliminate specifically behind-the-eye throbbing that I’ve experienced but tension headaches and some degree of migraines are not out of the question. That may be another reason I want a more full-fledged iPhone: not being able to use latter-generation devices has left me stuck with a more basic device, currently iPhone SE third-generation, and there are incredible features like stereo widening that are simply missing on iPhone Air. I also thought coming from a more basic device that already has a smaller battery and one camera sensor would make the Air more appealing; alas, the new form factor hasn’t made the impression I expected where I’d value the thinness over a complete experience. The new display is probably a sweet spot though as it’s rare that I don’t find an iPhone display either too small or too large.

The only thing I would have liked and I'd sacrifice a hair of thinness for it, is the vaper chamber, because let's face it, this phone does get hot with everything concentrated at the top.

I had a 3rd Gen SE that I liked (it was a backup phone), and it was pretty thin as well and felt good in the hand, but the battery suffered big time, I don't think it's as much of an issue in the air as bloggers make it out to be.

 

[subjonas]

Thanks. Yeah, the Air is really for somebody who wants to make a statement with its thinness and/or really values having the most premium design and materials possible. I thought that I would fit into one of those categories, but I’d rather have more features and battery. Had there been one additional next-generation tech feature before it reached the other iPhones, like a carbon battery or more advanced OLED, on the Air à la iPhone X being a preview of the future that might have made it more compelling.

Every OLED iPhone since iPhone X has given me headaches that make the device basically unusable. I do have to say that the PWM toggle, which is available on iPhone Air as well as all iPhone 17 models, does help to almost entirely eliminate specifically behind-the-eye throbbing that I’ve experienced but tension headaches and some degree of migraines are not out of the question. That may be another reason I want a more full-fledged iPhone: not being able to use latter-generation devices has left me stuck with a more basic device, currently iPhone SE third-generation, and there are incredible features like stereo widening that are simply missing on iPhone Air. I also thought coming from a more basic device that already has a smaller battery and one camera sensor would make the Air more appealing; alas, the new form factor hasn’t made the impression I expected where I’d value the thinness over a complete experience. The new display is probably a sweet spot though as it’s rare that I don’t find an iPhone display either too small or too large.

But personally, I don't fit into those two categories. I couldn't care less about making a design statement nor about having premium things. Like you, I've always had older/lower model iPhones including the SE3, but not because of flickering issues, for me it was because I prefer smaller phones. Having the Air is really just about having the lightest thinnest iPhone I can get right now. I want my things to be as non-intrusive in my life as possible, while still being useful as useful as possible. It's a balance that each device does differently. I've tried the heavier iPhones, and the Air has the balance I prefer most in the current lineup by far.

I was just confused about the PWM thing, because you said you would switch to an iPhone 17/Pro if it didn't give you headaches, and I thought you meant switch from the Air, which should give you the same headaches. But I understand now you meant switch from the SE3.

 

[MICHAELSD]

The only thing I would have liked and I'd sacrifice a hair of thinness for it, is the vaper chamber, because let's face it, this phone does get hot with everything concentrated at the top.

I had a 3rd Gen SE that I liked (it was a backup phone), and it was pretty thin as well and felt good in the hand, but the battery suffered big time, I don't think it's as much of an issue in the air as bloggers make it out to be.

A vapor chamber or some sort of active/passive cooling could make a world of difference on the Air. Intensive tasks tend to warm the device and throttle performance fairly quickly. Then the industry would scratch its head as to why this required a switch to aluminum on the Pro if they can make it roughly as effective on the titanium build. If it’s ineffective it’d be pointless to add, but it’s already rumored for the second-generation Air.

 

[MICHAELSD]

But personally, I don't fit into those two categories. I couldn't care less about making a design statement nor about having premium things. Like you, I've always had older/lower model iPhones including the SE3, but not because of flickering issues, for me it was because I prefer smaller phones. Having the Air is really just about having the lightest thinnest iPhone I can get right now. I want my things to be as non-intrusive in my life as possible, while still being useful as useful as possible. It's a balance that each device does differently. I've tried the heavier iPhones, and the Air has the balance I prefer most in the current lineup by far.

I was just confused about the PWM thing, because you said you would switch to an iPhone 17/Pro if it didn't give you headaches, and I thought you meant switch from the Air, which should give you the same headaches. But I understand now you meant switch from the SE3.

PWM and all display flickering on OLED has caused serve persistent headaches and continues to put the Air just on the verge of usability, not without its own set of headaches and migraine potential for me.

If I’m able to get a similar experience with the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, I think I’d want a more complete device. Even then I’m okay waiting to see if the next generation or the subsequent generation becomes as comfortable as an iPhone SE LCD, which causes zero headache response. Without a modern iPhone I typically get no headaches day-to-day. Maybe I’ve just changed personally as I don’t feel an attachment to the Air where I’m devastated that it’s not a perfectly comfortable display. It’s still cool to see the progression in devices annually.

My takeaway from the Air is that if this was a Pro build with three cameras, cooling, two speakers, and double the battery life, then it would be a fantastic form factor with a display that’s just about Goldilocks size. Perhaps that’s how we will see iPhones evolve in 5-10 years, but pure thinness doesn’t matter that much to me.

 

[vi2867]

I am fine with the iPhone Air. Depends how I feel in September, I may change my mind.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Furthermore, and this is apparently a unique perspective, this is the most severed Pro iPhones have been in their history: users have to choose between a sleek, jewelry-akin titanium build or a Pro feature set.

Historically, the Pro was zero-compromise and had it all.

 

[Fallforward]

Here’s a good perspective on the iPhone Air.

Interesting video and he might be right about "tweak", but not his data. He guesses iphone air is 10% of iphone sales. Estimates based in data such as activations are closer to half that up to 2/3 that. He says Google will sell 800,000 Pixels. It is estimated it will be 10-12 million.

 

[jdoyle]

I got one for my wife. She really hated the weight of her phone and when it came out she was interested. So I got it as a Christmas Gift. So for her the lightness is the killer feature.

Regarding the compromises. She uses her phone ALOT. So I was worried. So far it lasts all day. If she is on Wi-Fi it hardly drains at all. If she is out and about its low by the end of the day. But we all charge on a daily cycle so its a non-issue. For emergencies I got her an excellent 5000Mha Braun charger from Aldi. It has Magsafe and an LCD charge info display and fits neatly on the back and is very compact. It cost $29 AUD compared to $159 AUD for the Apple Official One. So far she hasnt needed to use it once.

For Camera she takes quick snaps. The selfie camera is great how it auto adjusts for groups of people. So thats a non-issue

THe Speaker however. She really notices how quiet and tinny it is. But not a deal breaker.

I find myself wanting to lift it and use it. My 16 Pro Max feels like a huge heavy slab compared. Its a beautiful phone and I dont think she coudl go back to anything heavier.

lastly she wanted a case so we got the bumper from Apple. Its nice and give you better grip and doesnt ad any noticeable weight. Putting a massive heavy duty case on this thing totally defeats the purpose.

 

[MICHAELSD]

My main positive towards the Air is that the form factor is approaching perfection.

I felt that the 5.8”/6.1” sizes were too small for content, and the Pro Max was becoming too large. This 6.5” display feels Goldilocks by comparison. When they manage to completely remove the bezels and produce a ~ 6.7” size that would be about as ideal as it can get, besides a foldable device.

I also think the Mini 5.4” form factor is quite ideal, especially with a higher pixel density to compensate for the smaller display. That’s why a foldable could be really compelling if they nail the outer and inner display sizes.

 

[Zaft]

My main positive towards the Air is that the form factor is approaching perfection.

I felt that the 5.8”/6.1” sizes were too small for content, and the Pro Max was becoming too large. This 6.5” display feels Goldilocks by comparison. When they manage to completely remove the bezels and produce a ~ 6.7” size that would be about as ideal as it can get, besides a foldable device.

I also think the Mini 5.4” form factor is quite ideal, especially with a higher pixel density to compensate for the smaller display. That’s why a foldable could be really compelling if they nail the outer and inner display sizes.

Even the 6.3 is a tad too small for me. Technically it’s smaller at 6.27 but it’s rounded.

The air is 6.5 but is technically larger at 6.55.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Even the 6.3 is a tad too small for me. Technically it’s smaller at 6.27 but it’s rounded.

The air is 6.5 but is technically larger at 6.55.

I’d almost tend to agree that 6.3” didn’t satisfy my desire for a larger display. As much as I don’t want to bring up the price I think the Air could offer slightly more at its price point of $999. I assume they needed the extra space, but the Air should have used the Pro camera sensor rather than the iPhone 17 sensor. It’s odd because it takes the place of a Plus iPhone in the lineup yet the specs fit between the base 17 and Pro iPhone. Alas, I was comparing every spec except the screen size which does count.

I suppose the camera doesn’t really make a difference besides in comparison since it’s more than good enough for this specific device. I just wish the Air had one more killer feature like a carbon silicon battery. It’s also because I’m doing more with it than I would with my iPhone SE but the battery just drains so quickly—I didn’t even have this much of a concern with the second iteration of the mini iPhone oddly.

Why do I find 6.1”/6.3” to be too small yet I loved the 5.4” mini? 6.1”/6.3” is just large enough not to be practical one-handed so it feels like there’s more room to cover. 6.5” is really a great display size, and it’d be better yet at 6.6”-6.7” with no bezels. I’m not sure logically if the thinness helps though the Air works fairly well in one hand: I was able to type this with no complaints.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Maybe they found this would be look ridiculous, but I think I’ve figured out a solution for iPhone Air 2: double the size of the camera bump.

Holding the phone now I don’t think this would negatively impact gripping the device, provided they can counter-balance it perfectly as it is already.

Hypothetically this would enable space not just for two cameras but all three (why not do this when the Pro already has a massive bump that supports this?) and provide room for a cooling system. It’s odd that there aren’t two cameras with Apple’s bet on spatial videos, although software should be able to fill in the gaps. Even the two would be adequate, since I suppose three would really just make it a thinner Pro with less battery life.

 

[awshucks]

Just dropped my air from upstairs on the downstairs floor caseless (accidentally). Not a scratch on this thing. Wow.

 

[Krabba]

Just dropped my air from upstairs on the downstairs floor caseless (accidentally). Not a scratch on this thing. Wow.

Carpet? Hardwood?!

 

[awshucks]

Carpet? Hardwood?!

Hardwood. House was built in 1939 so this is real wood too.

 

[Zaft]

Hardwood. House was built in 1939 so this is real wood too.

Titanium is legit.

 

[bakron1]

I have had my iPhone Air since the official launch and it’s performed perfectly. I carry it in my front pocket with a Apple clear case and screen protector and the phone still looks like the day I bought it new.

I have adjusted to the lower speaker volume and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has helped because it vibrates my wrist with a have a call or notification.

I don’t regret buying the Air and would make the same decision if I had to do it again. Love the Air.

 

[tbeaumont]

Purchased a 17 Pro Max when it was released. Very good phone and has a Samsung screen. Only complaint it was too heavy for extended use. Purchased an Air in November and it came with a bad LG display. Swapped out a couple of times and everyone had a bad display. Returned the Air. Last week tried my luck one more time with the Air. To my surprise, it came with a Samsung display every bit as good as my 17 Pro Max. Using my Air as my daily driver and love it.

 

[Lustral]

Also had the Air since launch day but I have recently purchased a 17 Pro which I’m about to move to once my new case for it is here. I still love my Air but I want that those extra lenses and lidar. More than likely going to keep the Air as backup / spare.

 

[Macdctr]

Also had the Air since launch day but I have recently purchased a 17 Pro which I’m about to move to once my new case for it is here. I still love my Air but I want that those extra lenses and lidar. More than likely going to keep the Air as backup / spare.

I did the same thing getting my 17 Pro in December. Today I am still using my Air as my primary phone and take my 17 Pro only when I know I will want to take advantage of its camera setup. I am finding my Air is plenty good for typical daily tasks that I throw at it.

The Air has been surprisingly amazing to use on the daily . . .