iPhone Air For those getting the air

[Nikos]

Ordered a Pro Max, as usual, but I'm really considering the Air.

I'm getting tired of the Pro Max's ergonomics. Will have to see how the 17 PM feels in-hand.

I'm not sure how much I'd miss the additional cameras. Ultra wide can be useful for macro, even though I almost never use it, but I'm not a fan of 0.5x distortion otherwise. I don't use telephoto much. Couldn't care less about the front facing camera.

Battery life probably won't be much of an issue for me. Can always grab the battery pack for the rare occasion I'd need it.

Don't care about the missing GPU core as long as navigating the OS doesn't suffer from it.

The speaker will probably be the biggest compromise.

I may pick up an Air, use it for 1-2 weeks, and see if I miss any of the PM's features. The problem with that is it would be dreadful going back to the brick that the Pro Max is if I do. The other option would be to never even touch an iPhone Air. Ignorance is bliss.

 

[ISignedUpToAskThis]

Ordered a Pro Max, as usual, but I'm really considering the Air.

I'm getting tired of the Pro Max's ergonomics. Will have to see how the 17 PM feels in-hand.

I'm not sure how much I'd miss the additional cameras. Ultra wide can be useful for macro, even though I almost never use it, but I'm not a fan of 0.5x distortion otherwise. I don't use telephoto much. Couldn't care less about the front facing camera.

Battery life probably won't be much of an issue for me. Can always grab the battery pack for the rare occasion I'd need it.

Don't care about the missing GPU core as long as navigating the OS doesn't suffer from it.

The speaker will probably be the biggest compromise.

I may pick up an Air, use it for 1-2 weeks, and see if I miss any of the PM's features. The problem with that is it would be dreadful going back to the brick that the Pro Max is if I do. The other option would be to never even touch an iPhone Air. Ignorance is bliss.

There's two things stopping me from going for the Air over the Pro - the future potential resale value and the cameras. I can cope with the reduced battery life and mono speaker, but I don't own any other cameras and so my phone camera is the only one I have.

As for the future value - it doesn't seem very popular (compared to the Pro Max, and to a lesser extent the Pro), if I sell in a year's time, is it going to take a bigger hit than a Pro Max/Pro? It's a first generation device so I'm a little cautious bout it.

 

[atownguy]

I’m super conflicted on the color- I ordered black for launch day pickup, but the more reviews & marketing images/videos I see, the more I’m tempted to go for a lighter color. I think i’m falling for the “light and airy” vibe that they are clearly trying to get across in their marketing, and black doesn’t seem match that aesthetic.

I’ll probably wait to see in person when I pick up at the store, but at the moment I think I’m now leaning towards sky blue being the best option for the Air…

 

[Nikos]

There's two things stopping me from going for the Air over the Pro - the future potential resale value and the cameras. I can cope with the reduced battery life and mono speaker, but I don't own any other cameras and so my phone camera is the only one I have.

As for the future value - it doesn't seem very popular (compared to the Pro Max, and to a lesser extent the Pro), if I sell in a year's time, is it going to take a bigger hit than a Pro Max/Pro? It's a first generation device so I'm a little cautious bout it.

I was going to mention its value as of next year as well. Getting $700 from Apple for a 16 Pro Max is nice. Pretty much makes selling it, at least in my area, not worth the hassle.

We don't know what the Air will be worth next year, on trade-in or resale, which is a pretty big reason to maybe sit the first generation out.

The more I look at the phone, the more appealing it is though.

 

[robotphood]

Battery drain test for all of the 17 models & the Air.

Only 10 mins between the Air 3149mAh and the regular 17 3692mAh. Excellent!

And the 17 Pro lasted about 50 mins longer than the Air with 3988mAh.

View attachment 2551731

It's incredible the 17P outlasted the 16PM. How the is Air making up for ~500mah? Combo of A19 Pro and C1X? Do the pro models come with the C1X? I haven't been able to verify.

 

[alia]

I've owned iPhones almost every year since the Original iPhone (I skipped the 3G because law school took all my money). I've never used a screen protector until this year because my 15 PM got so scratched up! I had a Torras screen protector on my 16 PM for a while, until I cracked a couple of the screen protectors and didn't get around to putting a new one on. I'll probably grab a Torras for my Air just in case.

I also almost never use cases, although I did for the the X because I was traveling for 4 months straight. I have a PhoneBack on my 16 PM but definitely going cashless for around the house and maybe a sleeve or better yet a phone wallet for when I'm out.

I haven't found a phone wallet I super love yet, so I hope some come out for the Air to take advantage of the thinness.

 

[alia]

I got 1TB:

iPhone air (white)
Pro (orange)
Pro max (blue)
AW11 (Hermes)

All coming tomorrow!

Your credit card must be screaming in pain. LOL.

 

[NvidiaIntelPC]

Last I checked Apple was offering 700 for the 16PM. Not impossible to get ~$200 more via private sale. But you have list/ship and account for selling/transaction fees if using something like eBay/swappa etc… Trade ins are always about convenience. I can also already see open market prices dip as well. I think the iPhone 17 getting notable upgrades and even outperforming the previous pro is hurting resale values a bit.

Apple pays 600 in UK (new price was 1200).

 

[Garethe86]

I haven't used a case in years, so I'll be going cashless caseless.

I am torn on a screen protector. I don't like them, but every year Apple says "more scratch resistant" and every year my phone is scratched almost immediately. Phone lives in a dedicated pocket with nothing else, only thing I can figure is maybe the metal rivets on my jeans.

Probably going to get a protector, but haven't decided yet, particularly as I am unsure if I'm keeping the phone.

That's what always happens to me, especially with Androids, all I'd have to do is look at the thing and it would get a scratch.

I’m in two minds about screen protectors, the screen on all the new iPhone 17’s are apparently 3x more scratch resistant! Lol. Also the anti reflective coating will be affected by adding a screen protector.

I have noticed issues with playing games but I rarely play games on my phone anymore so I can live the screen protectors affect on the coating.

 

[Garethe86]

Just like an EV car value these days!

I read all the comments on the trade in prices and I'm good with what they offer, I'm assuming it boils down to everyone's personal finances, but I don't expect full value or anything close to it. Half of what I paid is really good.

 

[Garethe86]

Ordered a Pro Max, as usual, but I'm really considering the Air.

I'm getting tired of the Pro Max's ergonomics. Will have to see how the 17 PM feels in-hand.

I'm not sure how much I'd miss the additional cameras. Ultra wide can be useful for macro, even though I almost never use it, but I'm not a fan of 0.5x distortion otherwise. I don't use telephoto much. Couldn't care less about the front facing camera.

Battery life probably won't be much of an issue for me. Can always grab the battery pack for the rare occasion I'd need it.

Don't care about the missing GPU core as long as navigating the OS doesn't suffer from it.

The speaker will probably be the biggest compromise.

I may pick up an Air, use it for 1-2 weeks, and see if I miss any of the PM's features. The problem with that is it would be dreadful going back to the brick that the Pro Max is if I do. The other option would be to never even touch an iPhone Air. Ignorance is bliss.

Well whatever you decide, you're among friends in this thread.....the other air threads, venture in at your own risk....I've avoided them, they are vicious!

 

[Garethe86]

I've owned iPhones almost every year since the Original iPhone (I skipped the 3G because law school took all my money). I've never used a screen protector until this year because my 15 PM got so scratched up! I had a Torras screen protector on my 16 PM for a while, until I cracked a couple of the screen protectors and didn't get around to putting a new one on. I'll probably grab a Torras for my Air just in case.

I also almost never use cases, although I did for the the X because I was traveling for 4 months straight. I have a PhoneBack on my 16 PM but definitely going cashless for around the house and maybe a sleeve or better yet a phone wallet for when I'm out.

I haven't found a phone wallet I super love yet, so I hope some come out for the Air to take advantage of the thinness.

The 3G was my first because I didn't want to sign up with AT&T. Also had a 4, then it was back n forth from 5 to 8 because family members were singing the praises of Androids, I had an XR, 11 (work), then 12 and everything after it. Only Android I bought was one of the Pixel Pro's from a couple years ago for the camera. They have an edge on night mode, even better than Apple but not by much.

 

[alia]

The 3G was my first because I didn't want to sign up with AT&T. Also had a 4, then it was back n forth from 5 to 8 because family members were singing the praises of Androids, I had an XR, 11 (work), then 12 and everything after it. Only Android I bought was one of the Pixel Pro's from a couple years ago for the camera. They have an edge on night mode, even better than Apple but not by much.

I hated switching to AT&T from T-Mobile, but I did. The moment it was available from T-Mobile, I switched back. It's funny, because I got the original iPhone for Christmas 2007 from my boyfriend at the time, and I immediately took it Tokyo for 5 months (I was there for a semester of law school), so it was basically a very expensive iPod for the first 5 months.

 

[Garethe86]

There's two things stopping me from going for the Air over the Pro - the future potential resale value and the cameras. I can cope with the reduced battery life and mono speaker, but I don't own any other cameras and so my phone camera is the only one I have.

As for the future value - it doesn't seem very popular (compared to the Pro Max, and to a lesser extent the Pro), if I sell in a year's time, is it going to take a bigger hit than a Pro Max/Pro? It's a first generation device so I'm a little cautious bout it.

All fair points to consider, I always liked the Pro trade in price as well, and it's going even further for me this year because of buying the air

I’m super conflicted on the color- I ordered black for launch day pickup, but the more reviews & marketing images/videos I see, the more I’m tempted to go for a lighter color. I think i’m falling for the “light and airy” vibe that they are clearly trying to get across in their marketing, and black doesn’t seem match that aesthetic.

I’ll probably wait to see in person when I pick up at the store, but at the moment I think I’m now leaning towards sky blue being the best option for the Air…

Mkbhd did a video yesterday in which his blue looked white to me, all the phones looked white except for the black of course, I'm wondering if it was his studio lighting that washed everything out. I'm also looking forward to seeing all the phones and colors in person tomorrow.

 

[Garethe86]

I hated switching to AT&T from T-Mobile, but I did. The moment it was available from T-Mobile, I switched back. It's funny, because I got the original iPhone for Christmas 2007 from my boyfriend at the time, and I immediately took it Tokyo for 5 months (I was there for a semester of law school), so it was basically a very expensive iPod for the first 5 months.

I remember the first time I saw an Iphone in person in 2010, the guy wanted to sell it. I was tempted. I never saw anything so cool before! Even getting that first 3G with only 8 gigs I think was special (hard to believe we all got by with so little memory at one time).

 

[Macdctr]

I have enjoyed my 1TB 15 Pro Max and still feel this phone is able to run fine with the new iOS26 which I have been running on this iPhone since the original developer's version came out. No issues so far.

I was excited to see the new iPhones and have been originally looking at the new Pro Max series but personally didn't like the look or additional costs for the maxed out version so I decided to go a very different route and get the Air instead.

I preordered the 1TB Space Black Air which is the maxed out version and look forward to making direct comparisons between the new Air and my 15 Pro Max iPhone in the upcoming weeks. My new iPhone gets delivered tomorrow.

 

[James6s]

It's incredible the 17P outlasted the 16PM. How the is Air making up for ~500mah? Combo of A19 Pro and C1X? Do the pro models come with the C1X? I haven't been able to verify.

The C1X is exclusive to the Air, it’s in no other models from the line up!

The Air uses all Apple silicone with the A19 Pro, C1X & the N1. The A19 Pro is more efficient than the A19 in the 17.

Some great optimisation has been achieved to allow for the battery life to be at the level of the regular 17 that has 543mAh larger capacity.

 

[Garethe86]

Sure is the day! Team black 👌🏻🤩

Are you ready? Your final day of using that old 8 is almost behind you. I will be on here tomorrow morning to see if you've posted with your air yet. Did you get the appointment assigned? Can't remember if you were getting that today or tomorrow. I don't yet have the "ready for pickup" notice, IIRC it won't be until late tonight.

 

[jsmith1]

Got to play with a white one today and all I can say is you have to see it to believe it. This is one gorgeous phone. I can’t wait to get my space black one tomorrow and get it running. I will never be going back to a brick, no matter what.

 

[Garethe86]

Got to play with a white one today and all I can say is you have to see it to believe it. This is one gorgeous phone. I can’t wait to get my space black one tomorrow and get it running. I will never be going back to a brick, no matter what.

I was just sitting here thinking how special this is, we are all going to be the first to use a new Apple product, how often does that happen? For me, never, because I refused to stand in line for hours all these years. So this is a first!

 

[jsmith1]

I was just sitting here thinking how special this is, we are all going to be the first to use a new Apple product, how often does that happen? For me, never, because I refused to stand in line for hours all these years. So this is a first!

Well said.

 

[James6s]

Are you ready? Your final day of using that old 8 is almost behind you. I will be on here tomorrow morning to see if you've posted with your air yet. Did you get the appointment assigned? Can't remember if you were getting that today or tomorrow. I don't yet have the "ready for pickup" notice, IIRC it won't be until late tonight.

Yep… I’m ready! Into the last hours with this old friend iPhone 8! It’s gonna feel like a big upgrade after this week lol.

Mine is getting delivered to my house, I’ll get a time slot for delivery in the morning. Exiting day coming up! Can’t wait 🤩

I shall be posting some pics here once I’ve laid eyes on it for the first time.

Enjoy your iPhone Air for those getting it tomorrow! 😀

 

[Garethe86]

Yep… I’m ready! Into the last hours with this old friend iPhone 8! It’s gonna feel like a big upgrade after this week lol.

Mine is getting delivered to my house, I’ll get a time slot for delivery in the morning. Exiting day coming up! Can’t wait 🤩

I shall be posting some pics here once I’ve laid eyes on it for the first time.

Enjoy your iPhone Air for those getting it tomorrow! 😀

Awesome! You won't have to go out in the rain. Ya know I still have a MacBook from like 15 years ago. It comes in handy when my newer devices won't jive with certain websites software, so I pull out that old thing and it works like a charm.

 

[James6s]

My iPhone for this week has been my old 8 & it’s crazy to think the Air is going to be thinner than this tiny little phone lol 🤯

 

[rui no onna]

I remember the first time I saw an Iphone in person in 2010, the guy wanted to sell it. I was tempted. I never saw anything so cool before! Even getting that first 3G with only 8 gigs I think was special (hard to believe we all got by with so little memory at one time).

I didn’t buy an iPhone until Apple released the OG in 16GB (when Apple lowered their prices and put the 4GB models on clearance). I always got the highest capacity iPhone until 256GB. Honestly though, even now I’m good with 128GB.

Now iPads are another matter.