iPhone Air For those getting the air

[sk1ski1]

No. Paired does not mean sound was “output” from there.

The phrase “tested with stereo audio output” was only added since iPhone 13. It was dropped this year with iPhone 17. iPhone 12 and older used iPhone 17’s silent protocol.

But the phrase "tested with stereo audio output" does not necessarily mean the phone's speakers. Audio output still could be the bluetooth headphones that are paired. Why pair bluetooth headphones in the test if they aren't part of the battery test.

 

[roland.g]

I'm sorry you're missing out on the best phone Apple has made since the X

new phones are no longer remotely a priority considering. new shiny tech takes a big backseat.

 

[JPack]

But the phase "tested with stereo audio output" does not necessarily mean the phone's speakers. Audio output still could be the bluetooth headphones that are paired. Why pair bluetooth headphones in the test if they aren't part of the battery test.

While that's technically true, I think it's very difficult to draw that conclusion.

There are essentially three test conditions:

1) Bluetooth paired only (iPhone 17/Air)
2) Stereo output + Bluetooth paired (iPhone 13 to iPhone 16)
3) Neither stereo output nor Bluetooth paired (iPhone 12 and older)

If "stereo output" does not mean speakers, then what does it mean in condition #2?

Bluetooth headphones can be paired to keep the BT chip active as part of the battery test. This is similar to why the Video Playback test (non-streaming) includes association with Wi-Fi. It's a local file being played back, so why connect? To keep the chip active.

 

[sk1ski1]

Bluetooth headphones can be paired to keep the BT chip active as part of the battery test. This is similar to why the Video Playback test (non-streaming) includes association with Wi-Fi. It's a local file being played back, so why connect? To keep the chip active.

Why add an additional battery drain to the tests with Bluetooth headphones connected, if they aren't actively using it for the audio. That would be foolish on Apple's part because the battery life would be longer without it. Bluetooth audio likely uses less battery than the phone's speakers. Hence why they are using Bluetooth headphones for the audio.

 

[Knowimagination]

I mean ultimately it doesn't really matter, we will see soon how it stacks up to the phones we are comparing it against.

 

[JPack]

Why add an additional battery drain to the tests with Bluetooth, if they aren't actively using it for the audio. That would be foolish on Apple's part because the battery life would be longer without it. Bluetooth audio likely uses less battery than the phone's speakers. Hence why they are using Bluetooth headphones for the audio.

I already explained above. Same reason why the Video Playback test (non-streaming) includes association with Wi-Fi.

Apple wants to create a semi-realistic test. A lot of users have BT accessories connected but not always in use.

 

[sk1ski1]

I already explained above. Same reason why the Video Playback test (non-streaming) includes association with Wi-Fi.

Apple wants to create a semi-realistic test. A lot of users have BT accessories connected but not always in use.

Nope, stereo audio output does not necessary mean the audio is directed to the phone speakers. More likely then not, the audio is being directed to the bluetooth headphones included in the test.

If they were aiming to being semi-realistic, they would have cellular turned on in the tests too.

 

[JPack]

Nope, stereo audio output does not necessary mean the audio is directed to the phone speakers. More likely then not, the audio is being directed to the bluetooth headphones included in the test.

Again,

There are essentially three test conditions:

1) Bluetooth paired only (iPhone 17/Air)
2) Stereo output + Bluetooth paired (iPhone 13 to iPhone 16)
3) Neither stereo output nor Bluetooth paired (iPhone 12 and older)

If "stereo output" does not mean speakers, then what does it mean in condition #2?

 

[JPack]

If they were aiming to being semi-realistic, they would have cellular turned on in the tests too.

Test parameters say “subscribed to LTE and 5G carrier networks.”

Please don’t tell me you think it means Apple paid AT&T but didn’t install the eSIM.

 

[sk1ski1]

If "stereo output" does not mean speakers, then what does it mean in condition #2?

Again,

There are essentially three test conditions:

1) Bluetooth paired only (iPhone 17/Air)
2) Stereo output + Bluetooth paired (iPhone 13 to iPhone 16)
3) Neither stereo output nor Bluetooth paired (iPhone 12 and older)

If "stereo output" does not mean speakers, then what does it mean in condition #2?

Huh ? It shows the Bluetooth headphones were paired in the video playback battery tests going back to 2016 and the Phone 7. Which was also the same year AirPods come out.

 

[JPack]

Huh ? It shows the Bluetooth headphones were paired in the video playback battery tests going back to 2015 and the Phone 6.

You still haven't answered the question.

If "stereo output" does not mean speakers, then what does it mean in condition #2?

 

[sk1ski1]

You still haven't answered the question.

If "stereo output" does not mean speakers, then what does it mean in condition #2?

View attachment 2546953

Your condition 2 and 3 are not correct statements, as I stated above.

Bluetooth headphones were included in all video streaming battery tests since the iPhone 7 in 2016.

Testing conducted by Apple in August 2016 using preproduction iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus units and software, on both GSM and CDMA carrier networks. Video content consisted of a repeated 2-hour 23-minute movie purchased from the iTunes Store. All settings were default except: Bluetooth was paired with headphones; Wi-Fi was associated with a network; the Wi-Fi feature Ask to Join Networks and Auto-Brightness were turned off.

 

[JPack]

Your condition 2 and 3 are not correct statements, as I stated above.

Bluetooth headphones were included in all video streaming battery tests since the iPhone 7 in 2016.

Ok, sure.

You seem unable or unwilling to answer the relevant question.

My claim still stands. iPhone Air was tested without speaker output. iPhone 16 was. Therefore, Apple's battery comparison tests are not comparable.

 

[sk1ski1]

Ok, sure.

You seem unable or unwilling to answer the relevant question.

I can't answer your question that is factually incorrect. You incorrectly stated dates and phones in your questions. Off by almost a decade.

My statements and common sense stands. All iPhones since 2016 were tested with Bluetooth headphones for the audio output in the video battery tests. Not the phone's speakers.

 

[colonelbutt]

I only use the speaker for calls. As long as it’s clear it’s ok. I couldn’t imagine anyone actually listening to music on a phone speaker. Even the MacBook Air is pants. Only the MacBook Pro starts to be even listenable.

 

[Glacier1]

I'm getting the sky blue Air. I need a lightweight phone.
And I'm getting the 17 purple.
I had trouble deciding cuz my favorite colors are orange,
purple & blue.
I love the pix of the orange Pro, but holding it
to my ear on long conversations wouldn't work for me.

 

[k187]

I only use the speaker for calls. As long as it’s clear it’s ok. I couldn’t imagine anyone actually listening to music on a phone speaker. Even the MacBook Air is pants. Only the MacBook Pro starts to be even listenable.

For me it’s about things like YouTube and also speakerphone on the few occasions I do need it.

 

[JtheLemur]

The Air colors are absolute trash. Truly awful just like the old pastels on the regular iPhone. We got to have one effing season of vibrant colors on the non-Pro lineup and we’re back to this Lacroix “a little gentle brush of flavor” color mix. Unreal that the Pros finally get strong colors but at the cost of literally all the other phones.

Having said that… Air in black *like my mooooood*

 

[k187]

The Air colors are absolute trash. Truly awful just like the old pastels on the regular iPhone. We got to have one effing season of vibrant colors on the non-Pro lineup and we’re back to this Lacroix “a little gentle brush of flavor” color mix. Unreal that the Pros finally get strong colors but at the cost of literally all the other phones.

Having said that… Air in black *like my mooooood*

Yeah totally missed opportunity :/

For me the white/blue are basically the same, but they look like jewellery with that shiny edge. I like it but it’s not for everyone.

The black would normally be my go to colour but I’m so worried about that edge chipping, and it also looking like cheap android from a distance

Anyway at least I’m going with Apple care and no case as usual so the white should look good.

 

[phoneorpda]

Getting Space Black 1Tb, coming from 16 Pro. Love the new design, no need for extra cameras. I got the battery pack, bumper and case as well! I’m excited for it.

 

[James6s]

I’m sure (and hoping) that the single speaker is of high quality on the Air, and Apple thought ok we need to make this sound as good as possible.

I can’t find any videos form the event testing the Air’s speaker

 

[James6s]

Wow, I didn’t know it’s that close to the 13 Pro Max (which I owned until last year). That phone’s battery was a beast. I’m going to try to order an Air in addition to the Orange Pro Max too.
Air battery concerns are pretty much sorted, besdies, the fact that the UK/EU Pro versions have a smaller battery than the US model, bugs me. 2 hours less isn’t easy to forget. You accept the bulkiness, pay extra, yet don’t get the full benefits.just because of the antiquated sim tray.

Now, other than the camera—which still needs to be tested—my only concern about the Air is whether putting it in a (clear) case makes it thicker just like a standard phone and defeats the whole point of the design!

I’m not worried about battery life on the Air after seeing the comparisons on the Apple website and the lengths they’ve gone to make it “the most power efficient iPhone ever made” with A19 Pro & N1 chips along with the C1X modem. The latter two are exclusive to the Air I think?

I’m going to rock it caseless (with AppleCare) and Apple have made it durable enough to be used caseless so you can appreciate the design and ultra thinness of it.

I’m sure there will be ultra slim cases available for those not brave enough to use it naked.