iPhone Air Review: One Year With Apple's Super Thin $999 iPhone

[SmugMaverick]

Is there anything that would push current Air users to get the Air 2? Would a second camera or 10% battery increase move the needle? I am trying to think if there is anything that would make me feel the need to upgrade.

I would only switch up to the Air 2 if it came with ALL these

Second camera
next gen display
A20 Pro/C2 chips
vapour cooling
stereo speakers
Bigger battery
smaller island


Otherwise I see no point because it's fantastic already.

 

[ronno]

Considering the compromises (camera, mono spkr, battery life, etc), I think it was a Tim Cook price gouge phone at $1k. But it didn’t work as soon as they solved very few of these.

 

[ab2c4]

If that's the way Apple went, it would be a hard no for me. I’m with you on the second speaker, but while telephoto would be nice I guess, it would just be a toy for me. Ultra wide is much more important!

I still have my old iPhone 8 Plus, and if Apple goes back to round edges, I’m buying the last square sided iPhone and hanging onto it until Apple sees sense again!!!

I’m glad I’m not responsible for designing the iPhone. It’s clearly impossible to make something every user likes.

It seems like users are split when it comes to flat vs rounded. 1/3 strongly want rounded, 1/3 strongly want flat, and 1/3 don’t care.

It would seem to me they either need to rotate between flat and rounded every two or three years, or offer both every year. Maybe make the Pro models one way and the non Pro models the other.

Basically people feel very strongly about one way or the other. I’m sure there is a way of making both sides happy. As it is now it’s going to be seven releases of misery for us in the rounded side group and before that it was I think eight years of misery for the flat side group.

 

[Luftkopf]

It seems like users are split when it comes to flat vs rounded. 1/3 strongly want rounded, 1/3 strongly want flat, and 1/3 don’t care.

It would seem to me they either need to rotate between flat and rounded every two or three years, or offer both every year. Maybe make the Pro models one way and the non Pro models the other.

Basically people feel very strongly about one way or the other. I’m sure there is a way of making both sides happy. As it is now it’s going to be seven releases of misery for us in the rounded side group and before that it was I think eight years of misery for the flat side group.

That is a stunning compromise that I wholeheartedly support. Change design every few years, swapping between flat and rounded sides. Keeps the designs fresh, and keeps us happy as we both get to have the styles we like without having to compromise or hang on to old phones that are past their best-by dates.

I like your thinking.

 

[cleptocracy]

It seems like iPhones get bigger, fatter, heavier every year. I loved my 13 mini and was sad to see it discontinued. Really wanted the Air to be the new great thing but the list of compromises was too great. I don’t take a lot of macros but I do take a lot of telephotos so guess which second camera I’d prefer if they add one.

 

[DrTwoFish]

Can you name a real use case where someone regularly takes macro photos with an iPhone for work or otherwise? Like, genuinely.

Macro photography is more like trying out a new toy once when you first get the phone, and then never using it again. But sure, it has to be on the spec sheet even if nobody actually needs it! And that’s why the Air is supposedly “lacking."

I used the macro mode on my 15 pro regularly both because I like taking pics of random flowers/bugs when I don't have my Nikon along, and because it's great for enlarging tiny text for aging eyes (insert Grandpa Simpson meme).

I love my Air and it's not a dealbreaker, but I do miss macro mode and would consider upgrading just for that.

 

[sammy2k8]

🥰 my iPhone Air.

 

[Charlesrfinal]

I’d argue if any device was unusable now it’s the Pro Max models they’ve got so big and heavy you might as well carry a brick about with you.

I love my 17 Pro Max. I call it the tank. Bring on the heavier 18 Pro Max. Better camera than air, wayyy bigger battery than air. More time between charges means fewer battery cycles over time leading to higher max capacity. I’ve no need for a delicate toy phone.

 

[x34]

I used the macro mode on my 15 pro regularly both because I like taking pics of random flowers/bugs when I don't have my Nikon along, and because it's great for enlarging tiny text for aging eyes (insert Grandpa Simpson meme).

I love my Air and it's not a dealbreaker, but I do miss macro mode and would consider upgrading just for that.

strangely, on scans the air seems sharper than on my 15 pro max.

 

[kagharaht]

If it's not selling well. Why doesn't Apple just announce that they will cancel it?

 

[beermode]

Can you name a real use case where someone regularly takes macro photos with an iPhone for work or otherwise? Like, genuinely.

Macro photography is more like trying out a new toy once when you first get the phone, and then never using it again. But sure, it has to be on the spec sheet even if nobody actually needs it! And that’s why the Air is supposedly “lacking.”

Yes. Serial numbers on parts. Sometimes, several times a day. Lots of people have uses for it. Just look them up instead of being the arbiter of Apple features.
Why is that someone doesn't see a need it's up to everyone else prove something? Its really weird.

 

[CalMin]

I used to run around with a Canon EOS 300D with a 50mm f1.8.

I have that prime too! It's so sharp. I still have in the drawer and occasionally take pictures of my cat with it. iPhone generally does a better job there too... 😂

 

[drsox]

you're holding it wrong

HaHa.

 

[drsox]

I think you missed the point. I just tried balancing my iPhone Air on my finger, placing my finger across the middle of the back. It balances perfectly, which means the top and bottom halves are essentially the same weight.

Methinks your comment has also.

 

[drsox]

I just meant the weight distribution. It’s not “top heavy” - it’s surprisingly incredibly balanced. But in usage, since it’s taller than say a regular or Pro (or especially a mini), I think I can see what you mean how it might feel that way in your hand during usage if you’re used to a smaller phone.

Yes. My other phone is a 16e. Plus I also have weak wrists.

 

[brgjoe]

My own biased opinion is I'd rather have a smaller more pocketable phone than a thinner one such as the Air. But have to admit, if it had the telephoto lens and a higher capacity battery, I would have been tempted.