I predict that the Tiktok generation will buy this on mass for the "flex".
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iPhone 17 Air Could Start at $1,099 With 256GB Storage, 1TB for $1,499
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Here's my "30k ft" perspective narrative.
I'm not making a prediction, but I think there's a chance the 17 Air ends up being a success. If upon early days, it gets bought in a way that makes it "cool" to have it. It's almost its own statement (over the Pro or Pro Max).
I feel like we shouldn't underestimate the value of "holy sh*t this is so thin / feels awesome in the hand". It could end up being a "premium" product, that as others have said, makes much more sense priced closer to the Pros, than the base 17.
The only downsides are the single camera, and likely less battery life.
On camera - as long as you don't really "need" the Optical Zoom and Ultra-Wide lenses, I could see there being a bunch of people who would accept this. Realistically, I probably use the main lens 85% of the time. The remaining is probably 14% 5x Optical Zoom, and 1% 0.5x.
On battery life - it'll probably have some optimizations to at least get you through the average / standard day on 1 charge. Then, as long as you're charging over-night anyways, it could be acceptable. Other than (I think) the small number of people who really use their phone a lot / on the-go, and need that every last bit of battery life. For (what I think would be) most of the iPhone using people, As long as it lasts like 12hrs +/-, it's not as big of a deal as it might be to others.
So as someone who's had Pro or Pro Max last 3 phones... I might be ok with this trade-off and give the 17 Air a try. I don't think I'll be a day-1 buyer though - will definitely want to check this out in store and feel it in person.
I'm not making a prediction, but I think there's a chance the 17 Air ends up being a success. If upon early days, it gets bought in a way that makes it "cool" to have it. It's almost its own statement (over the Pro or Pro Max).
I feel like we shouldn't underestimate the value of "holy sh*t this is so thin / feels awesome in the hand". It could end up being a "premium" product, that as others have said, makes much more sense priced closer to the Pros, than the base 17.
The only downsides are the single camera, and likely less battery life.
On camera - as long as you don't really "need" the Optical Zoom and Ultra-Wide lenses, I could see there being a bunch of people who would accept this. Realistically, I probably use the main lens 85% of the time. The remaining is probably 14% 5x Optical Zoom, and 1% 0.5x.
On battery life - it'll probably have some optimizations to at least get you through the average / standard day on 1 charge. Then, as long as you're charging over-night anyways, it could be acceptable. Other than (I think) the small number of people who really use their phone a lot / on the-go, and need that every last bit of battery life. For (what I think would be) most of the iPhone using people, As long as it lasts like 12hrs +/-, it's not as big of a deal as it might be to others.
So as someone who's had Pro or Pro Max last 3 phones... I might be ok with this trade-off and give the 17 Air a try. I don't think I'll be a day-1 buyer though - will definitely want to check this out in store and feel it in person.
I will divorce from my 6s when Apple delivers a phone with the same weight, at a reasonable price. [== I will buy the 17 Air when it is on the verge of discontinuation]. #bangForTheBuck
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro instead
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air will have a $1,099 starting price providing 256GB of base storage and will max out at $1,499 with a 1TB option, according to the latest TrendForce report.
Apple will offer three price/storage tiers for the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 model, which replaces last year's iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup. Here's how TrendForce sees them breaking down:
Meanwhile, the market research company expects the regular iPhone 17 model to have the same $799 starting price and 128GB base storage as last year's iPhone 16, while both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will come with 256GB base storage options and increases of $50-$100 per comparable capacity.
- 256GB — $1099
- 512GB — $1299
- 1TB — $1499
This isn't the first time we have heard that the iPhone 17 Pro models will both have 256GB base storage, but the iPhone 17 Air pricing-for-storage-tier information is new. Earlier this week, J.P. Morgan offered price estimates for the iPhone 17 series that put the iPhone 17 Air starting price at $899-$949, which is $150 lower at the top end than TrendForce's prediction.
The TrendForce report also corroborates previous rumors that the iPhone 17 and Air will feature Apple's new A19 processor, while the Pro series will adopt the A19 Pro chip. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air, Pro, and Pro Max will come with 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB), while the regular iPhone 17 will continue to come with 8GB RAM. All models this year will also feature 120Hz ProMotion displays.
TrendForce projects that total shipments of the iPhone 17 series will rise by 3.5% compared with the iPhone 16 lineup in 2024, with the Pro series remaining the main sales driver.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup at its "Awe dropping" event on September 9, with a potential launch date of Friday, September 19.
Article Link: iPhone 17 Air Could Start at $1,099 With 256GB Storage, 1TB for $1,499
Sometimes taking a wait and see approach pays off handsomely.
I'm looking forward to witnessing what first year buyers experience and the related bugs that inevitably arise on the first year iPhone Air.
Apple is quite good at implementing the necessary changes and improvements for the following year, then touting them as they present the new and improved model.
iPhone 18 Air, or whatever they label it should be the one to buy.
I'm looking forward to witnessing what first year buyers experience and the related bugs that inevitably arise on the first year iPhone Air.
Apple is quite good at implementing the necessary changes and improvements for the following year, then touting them as they present the new and improved model.
iPhone 18 Air, or whatever they label it should be the one to buy.
If it means having literally half the battery capacity, that’s an instant no for me — are you nostalgic for charging your phone two or three times a day?
I guess we’ll have to wait for the event next week, but those prices are on the high side. All speculation and rumours at this point.
Not gonna lie, I’m intrigued by the 17 Air. I expect a lot of people may buy it as it’s a new design direction for Apple, the design looks so sleek, thinness and lightness with a reasonably large screen.
Also some good specs, A19 Pro with 12gb RAM, promotion display.
I’m interested to see what features they pack into the single camera set up. I expect it will be a better 48mp lens & sensor set up to the 16e.
Battery life may be its downfall if it’s only 2900mAh, may 16 Pro is just ok for my usage with 3852mAh.
Not gonna lie, I’m intrigued by the 17 Air. I expect a lot of people may buy it as it’s a new design direction for Apple, the design looks so sleek, thinness and lightness with a reasonably large screen.
Also some good specs, A19 Pro with 12gb RAM, promotion display.
I’m interested to see what features they pack into the single camera set up. I expect it will be a better 48mp lens & sensor set up to the 16e.
Battery life may be its downfall if it’s only 2900mAh, may 16 Pro is just ok for my usage with 3852mAh.
I have two comments:
1. Apple is clearly testing out thin and thick for when the iPhone foldable comes out -- thin when open; thick when closed. The pro will be thicker; the air will be thinner. Seems incredible that they would charge SO much for a single camera, battery limited device.
2. While I realize this is "MacRumors", TrendForce "analysts" are, I believe, just speculating on the price increases. We were hearing $1049 for the iPhone pro with 256; a speculative jump to $1199 is an extreme rumor compared to others. Still, with tariffs, it's hard to know....
1. Apple is clearly testing out thin and thick for when the iPhone foldable comes out -- thin when open; thick when closed. The pro will be thicker; the air will be thinner. Seems incredible that they would charge SO much for a single camera, battery limited device.
2. While I realize this is "MacRumors", TrendForce "analysts" are, I believe, just speculating on the price increases. We were hearing $1049 for the iPhone pro with 256; a speculative jump to $1199 is an extreme rumor compared to others. Still, with tariffs, it's hard to know....
I love my 13 mini. I used to upgrade every year, but haven’t cuz they dropped it.