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

[grammatica]

What was expected? Consumers pay more for less. That's all that matters when consumers make a buying decision.

 

[Greenmeenie]

The iPhone air wasn’t different enough. Sure it was super thin, but at the expense of battery life & cameras. People didn’t want to pay a premium for just thinness… as cool as that was. So they just paid a little more for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

But if Apple comes out with a flip iPhone after the fold iphone… i can see people paying a premium for a super thin phone that also fold, flips while still having great battery life & cameras.

 

[BigDO]

The Air is a very cool device. It's neat that they crammed in what they did to such a thin package. That said, it just makes too many compromises for not much saving in size (generally speaking). I'm sure it's a great device for some people, but an infinitely inferior device for most people. It's a shame. I think it has a polish and premium feel that the pro models don't. I'd love to have the best of both worlds.

There are also less spoken about omissions which really irk. Why is the USB port crippled? Why is there no ProRes, given that it is a Pro SOC? Trivial, but why does there flashlight not allow beam adjustment?

Ultimately, it just isn’t good enough. I kept using it with my 16 Pro, until a few weeks ago I realized that it doesn’t do anything, not a single thing, better than the 16 Pro, but it does have significant drawbacks.

I wanted to sell it, but the used market is a joke, so it’s now a backup phone in the very unlikely case I lose/break my 16 Pro.

 

[Macdctr]

This week has been the first week I placed my Air into my iPhone collection and took out my 15 Pro to use in its place for the week. I have been enjoying using my Air as my primary device since September when I took delivery of it shortly after launch. For my use case the Air has done a fairly good job that I have had no major issue using it.

The last time I used my Air was last Friday when I switched over to my 15 Pro to use for the week. No issue using the older iPhone so tomorrow I will go back to using my 17 Pro which has been sitting in my collection next to my Air. I expect a few improvements since I am going up to the current gen pro series iPhone.

I will look back at my week of using my 15 Pro vs Air vs 17 Pro when I begin using the current gen Pro again then post my thoughts between the three iPhones I use. I'll leave out the 13 mini which I primarily use today as my backup iPhone.

 

[Sami13496]

The chart shown in the opening post may be somewhat misleading in that it presents the sales shares as percentages of total sales. From that perspective, the Air has sold relatively less than the iPhone Plus. However, it would also be interesting to see the figures in dollar terms, especially if total sales revenue in 2025 has been higher than in 2024. In that case, the iPhone Plus’s 8% share in 2024 and the Air’s 6% share in 2025 might be closer to each other in absolute dollar value. It doesn’t really change the overall conclusion, but it would still be an interesting data point.

In addition, it isn’t mentioned whether those figures represent shares of dollar revenue or shares of units sold. If they are based on dollar revenue, the difference could simply be due to price increases or decreases for certain models. In that case, it wouldn’t necessarily mean that more or fewer phones were purchased in terms of unit volume.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I believe the Air will eventually replace the standard iPhone once it receives more hardware features. Much like the MacBook Air is the standard MacBook in the lineup.

They will not lower the price to make it an SE tier product.

If it replaces it, it will become it and keeping the price at £1k+ limits its market impact. The reason the standard iPhone sells so well is because it offers enough features for most and is priced competitively. I really don't see how an Air could replace that segment in both cost and specification in its current direction?

 

[blairh]

If it replaces it, it will become it and keeping the price at £1k+ limits its market impact. The reason the standard iPhone sells so well is because it offers enough features for most and is priced competitively. I really don't see how an Air could replace that segment in both cost and specification in its current direction?

I could see the Air starting at $900 in a few years if/when it replaces the standard line. Not that much more than the current 17.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I could see the Air starting at $900 in a few years if/when it replaces the standard line. Not that much more than the current 17.

That is still risky and it can't be feature lacking at that price point. People aren't just buying iPhones because they've got Apple written on them anymore. There is a lot of competition round the mid tier and Apple appear to be finally competing again with the 16 and 17 models by matching feature expectations. If they were to abandon this market and assume everyone will just pay more for a lighter and more feature stripped device, I think competitors will be very happy with that.

 

[blairh]

That is still risky and it can't be feature lacking at that price point. People aren't just buying iPhones because they've got Apple written on them anymore. There is a lot of competition round the mid tier and Apple appear to be finally competing again with the 16 and 17 models by matching feature expectations. If they were to abandon this market and assume everyone will just pay more for a lighter and more feature stripped device, I think competitors will be very happy with that.

They wouldn’t do it unless it can match or come very close to what the standard iPhone offers.

 

[ericgedi77]

There are also less spoken about omissions which really irk. Why is the USB port crippled? Why is there no ProRes, given that it is a Pro SOC? Trivial, but why does there flashlight not allow beam adjustment?

Ultimately, it just isn’t good enough. I kept using it with my 16 Pro, until a few weeks ago I realized that it doesn’t do anything, not a single thing, better than the 16 Pro, but it does have significant drawbacks.

I wanted to sell it, but the used market is a joke, so it’s now a backup phone in the very unlikely case I lose/break my 16 Pro.

I'm not sure about the usb, I only use mine for charging. ProRes is a Pro feature. One of the many pro features I paid for and never used when I was buying iPhone Pros. And what do you mean you can't adjust the flashlight beam? When I turn the flashlight on I just slide up and down on the screen to increase or decrease brightness.

 

[mstur]

I had a 15 Pro Max and got the Air to replace the 15 Pro Max. Main reason: weight !

I have no problems with the battery, and I do not miss the telephoto lens. I only miss the ultra wide field because this is today the lens for macro photography. If the main lens could do macro, I would not need another lens...

And why the cringe for mono audio ?? Stereo on an iPhone is NOT an issue at all ! If you want good audio quality, get Airpods ...

 

[jcbauerca]

I have my air and love it. It's thin and lighter compared to my 16 pro. I don't need 3 cameras because the only pictures I take are of friends and animals. I’m not trying to make a feature movie on my iphone. My battery has been fine and set it to 80% charge. I live in the city and have chargers everywhere. I went to Columbia and Panama and changed the charge to 90%, had my Apple magnet battery with me and hardly ever use it. No complaints here.

 

[Beanoir]

I'm still a firm believer that if I'm already paying a grand for a phone, I might as well dish out a couple extra hundred dollars to have the very best of the best when it comes to camera, battery, etc. So always Pro Max for me

‘Best’ is subjective - i’d rather fork out to not have all those things I don’t need and save some bulk. Horses for courses, one man’s best is another man’s irritation.

 

[8483011]

First quarter sales are in from CIRP.

My main takeaways:

Base model iPhone 17 on par with 16. I thought it would be higher (versus last year) given the numerous strong sales reports since its release.

The 17 Pro has far succeeded the 16 Pro. Not sure why that would be. Very surprising.

The Air is selling worse than the 16 Plus in the same time frame. Not a surprise given its limitations and premium price.

Sorry to be blunt, but does anyone besides some execs at Apple really genuinly care?

 

[mbp17forever]

Everyone is getting the analysis wrong about why the iPhone Air sells less.

The answer is its low price (!)

If the price of the iPhone Air were higher than that of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, it would sell much more.

The reason is that the overwhelming majority of iPhone 17 Pro Max sales come from people who buy it simply to show that they have the most expensive iPhone. And I’m talking about obsessed influencers, TikTokers, Dubai “cosmic orange mirror selfie individuals” etc.

These people don’t care about tech at all; they just want to show that they can afford — or that someone close to them can afford — the most expensive iPhone. If the iPhone Air cost $2,000, many more people would buy it precisely because it would appeal to people who want to show off that they bought it.

Of course, most of these people don’t even know what the MacRumors site is — or what a vapor chamber is.

 

[Homme]

I believe the Air will eventually replace the standard iPhone once it receives more hardware features. Much like the MacBook Air is the standard MacBook in the lineup.

They will not lower the price to make it an SE tier product.

Maybe… maybe not. But it won’t replace the E versions as that iPhone tier is catered to a different audience

There are also less spoken about omissions which really irk. Why is the USB port crippled? Why is there no ProRes, given that it is a Pro SOC? Trivial, but why does there flashlight not allow beam adjustment?

Also to add to your post about the Air is the few comparisons to the 16e which make the 16e better like the 16e’s better battery life and bigger battery, the 16e’s stereo speakers, the 16e having a physical eSIM

also given the fact that it has the A19 Pro why Apple having to give it USB 2.0 though ( not that I care) but this is the phone where it compares more to the 16e than the others

 

[Farquar]

There are also less spoken about omissions which really irk. Why is the USB port crippled? Why is there no ProRes, given that it is a Pro SOC? Trivial, but why does there flashlight not allow beam adjustment?

Ultimately, it just isn’t good enough. I kept using it with my 16 Pro, until a few weeks ago I realized that it doesn’t do anything, not a single thing, better than the 16 Pro, but it does have significant drawbacks.

I wanted to sell it, but the used market is a joke, so it’s now a backup phone in the very unlikely case I lose/break my 16 Pro.

I traded a 16 Pro Max for the Air and couldn't be happier 6 months later. You're coping.

 

[Macdctr]

I'm not sure about the usb, I only use mine for charging. ProRes is a Pro feature. One of the many pro features I paid for and never used when I was buying iPhone Pros. And what do you mean you can't adjust the flashlight beam? When I turn the flashlight on I just slide up and down on the screen to increase or decrease brightness.

the 17 Pro series iPhones not only adjusts the intensity of the flashlight (what you're talking about) but also allows you to adjust the focus of this flash light into a narrow beam or a wide beam. This is the adjustability you don't have with non-pro iPhones and you don't have this ability with the Air.

 

[Garethe86]

I think "flop" is a bit of a strong word, if it's replaced with the Fold, the sales percentage will probably be about the same, maybe even less at the rumored price points. I also think there's huge risk on that type of product given all the QC issues droid folds have, but that's another submit altogether.

 

[ericgedi77]

the 17 Pro series iPhones not only adjusts the intensity of the flashlight (what you're talking about) but also allows you to adjust the focus of this flash light into a narrow beam or a wide beam. This is the adjustability you don't have with non-pro iPhones and you don't have this ability with the Air.

Never used that flash light feature before. Was it available on the 15PM?

I guess ignorance is bliss in my scenario, I don’t care about that feature. I have a real flashlight for that. If I need light for more than a minute or two I don’t bother with the phone.

 

[Paul1964]

Never used that flash light feature before. Was it available on the 15PM?

Yes, it was. I didn't find it all that useful though.

 

[Prabas]

Another 100€ discount. No contract, unlocked, no trade-ins or anything. The remaining inventory is high as well. It is now 90€ cheaper than a regular iPhone 17.

 

[super chimp]

I think "flop" is a bit of a strong word, if it's replaced with the Fold, the sales percentage will probably be about the same, maybe even less at the rumored price points. I also think there's huge risk on that type of product given all the QC issues droid folds have, but that's another submit altogether.

Not sure why you think the Fold would replace the Air as they are not remotely the same kind of device.

 

[Macdctr]

Never used that flash light feature before. Was it available on the 15PM?

I guess ignorance is bliss in my scenario, I don’t care about that feature. I have a real flashlight for that. If I need light for more than a minute or two I don’t bother with the phone.

No this was not available for the 15 Pro series iPhone. Just checked on my 15 Pro. All you can do is adjust the brightness of the light, but does not have the focusing ability the 17 Pro series iPhone have.

EDIT: the comment I made above is incorrect. You can adjust the focus beam pattern with the 15 Pro series iPhone (both the Pro Max and Pro). I just verified this with both my 15 Pro Max and 15 Pro a few moments ago.

 

[Paul1964]

No this was not available for the 15 Pro series iPhone. Just checked on my 15 Pro. All you can do is adjust the brightness of the light, but does not have the focusing ability the 17 Pro series iPhone have.

Incorrect. I had a 15 Pro Max and was able to change the focus of the beam.