iPhone 17 iPhone Air a Flop, 17 Pro a Massive Hit

[blairh]

I just don't know what Apple was thinking with the Air, it was clear it would bomb based solely on them charging more for a device with less battery, cameras and speakers than a regular iPhone. Bizarre marketing decision and the only thing I can think of is it was a way to begin getting a return for the R&D for parts developed for the Fold.

My prediction is the Air is dead, it will not see a second model.

What you will see is a discount in September to start shifting some of the existing stock and the early 2027, you'll see an Air 'inspired' regular iPhone 18 (think plateau but thicker and with 2 cameras and speakers) replace both the 17 and the Air, and this experiment will be quietly forgotten about. The iPhone E will then essentially be what was the iPhone 17.

It will also be the end of the larger non Pro model. The future iPhone line up will be:

iPhone E - iPhone (regular) - iPhone Pro - iPhone Pro Max - iPhone Fold

We are definitely getting a second Air IMO. For the Air to survive, Apple needs to add to it. Second camera and a second speaker at a minimum. There is no way the same Air with an updated screen and/or chip is going to make a difference with respect to sales.

I truly believe the Air could potentially replace the standard iPhone one day if Apple can simply add to it and get the price closer to $800 (like $900, for example).

I definitely don't think the 18 is going to get the changes you speak of.

 

[blairh]

I’m bristling a bit at the form over function argument. I got the Air to replace my 16 Pro Max and I don’t feel like I’ve sacrificed any significant amount of function. I have all day battery life, the fastest newest processor, highest quality and almost largest screen, a camera that takes beautiful photos and videos, and amazing sound quality. And my phone is half the thickness and much lighter than a pro so it doesn’t pull my pants down when I’m not using any of those things. And I saved a couple hundred bucks to boot.

You absolutely do not have amazing sound quality. The Air single speaker is terrible. The Pro Max line has amazing speakers.

 

[nkgmd]

You absolutely do not have amazing sound quality. The Air single speaker is terrible. The Pro Max line has amazing speakers.

Sounds good to me for a FaceTime call or to show someone a quick video. I’m not using it as home theater equipment. AirPods Pro 3 sound better than either phones speakers.

 

[blairh]

Sounds good to me for a FaceTime call or to show someone a quick video. I’m not using it as home theater equipment. AirPods Pro 3 sound better than either phones speakers.

If you value smartphone speakers, then the Pro Max speakers are a night and day difference versus the Air.

If you don't, which you don't seem to, then it doesn't matter.

For most consumers, speakers matter a great deal, and it's the Achilles' heel of the Air.

 

[Paul1964]

If you value smartphone speakers, then the Pro Max speakers are a night and day difference versus the Air.

If you don't, which you don't seem to, then it doesn't matter.

For most consumers, speakers matter a great deal, and it's the Achilles' heel of the Air.

If you only listen through AirPods/headphones then the speaker quality is a moot point, so it's the right phone nkgmd in his use case and preferences.

We have choices. I prefer the better cooling, speakers, battery and zoom capability of the 17 Pro Max but each to their own.

 

[nkgmd]

If you value smartphone speakers, then the Pro Max speakers are a night and day difference versus the Air.

If you don't, which you don't seem to, then it doesn't matter.

For most consumers, speakers matter a great deal, and it's the Achilles' heel of the Air.

Not trying to argue that point, I'm sure the Pro speakers are better and it's stereo, Atmos vs Mono, conceded. I'm just saying I don't feel like there's so much of a difference that I'm sacrificing any functionality to go with this form factor. The sound quality of the Air is actually quite good even with it's single speaker, and I haven't noticed any difference over my prior 16 Pro Max when doing things like FaceTime or showing someone a video which is all I ever really do with the built in speakers. For any other use I either stream to a bluetooth or Airplay speaker, headphones or my car.

 

[Wando64]

Mac mini has a clear reason for existence. iOS app development requires a Mac: to sell the iPhone ecosystem, Apple needs a cheap Mac. The same is true for developers who want to create and test multiple complex iOS and iPadOS apps. They need Mac Studio.

So what’s the strategic reason for iPhone Air to continue to exist?

How should I know?
The point I am making is that looking at percentage share of product range is an irrelevant metric.
As you have neatly pointed out in relation to the Mini and the Studio, often there are other factors at play (which was exactly my point).
Just because you and I cannot see a reason, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

 

[JPack]

How should I know?
The point I am making is that looking at percentage share of product range is an irrelevant metric.
As you have neatly pointed out in relation to the Mini and the Studio, often there are other factors at play (which was exactly my point).
Just because you and I cannot see a reason, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

If you don't know, then why post about it?

It's like suggesting a unicorn might exist but not suggesting anything meaningful why it might exist. It doesn't contribute to the discussion.

 

[Wando64]

If you don't know, then why post about it?

It's like suggesting a unicorn might exist but not suggesting anything meaningful why it might exist. It doesn't contribute to the discussion.

How many times should I repeat, “The point I am making is that…”
I think I have explained quite clearly why I have said what I have said.
You too seem to agree that, at least in the Mac product line, a small share of sale does NOT indicate a product failure.
Why should it be any different on the iPhone product line?

Anyway, I am not here to argue for the sake of arguing, especially with someone that is not the OP.
I’ve explained why I think the original post is pointless, and everyone else is free to disagree.

 

[JPack]

How many times should I repeat, “The point I am making is that…”
I think I have explained quite clearly why I have said what I have said.
You too seem to agree that, at least in the Mac product line, a small share of sale does NOT indicate a product failure.
Why should it be any different on the iPhone product line?

Anyway, I am not here to argue for the sake of arguing, especially with someone that is not the OP.
I’ve explained why I think the original post is pointless, and everyone else is free to disagree.

The point you've made is actually an appeal to corporate infallibility. You're effectively claiming that you can't see Apple's rationale, but we should still assume a good hidden strategy and ignore weak iPhone Air sales.

Someone famous once said, "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." I'm not asking for that, just what purpose you think the Air serves.

Mac mini has a clear purpose. Xcode is needed to build iOS apps. Just because a clear strategy exists for Mac mini doesn't mean the same for iPhone Air.