iPhone Air People Just Don’t Get the Point of the iPhone Air

[aespana]

I don't like the Air but I need to feel it first. Maybe my opinion can change.

For me, the winning of this round is the base iPhone. Those 120hz are just what the model needed to be fully acceptable for the price

 

[mikethebigo]

Well that is… like really obvious, no?

Wcctech: “Applying Copper Post technology will enable next year’s flagship to ship with a slimmer form factor while also being properly engineered to dissipate heat effectively. Now, all that remains to be seen is whether this change will be a better alternative than the vapor chamber used on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.”

As mentioned the EU’s EPREL test results for the iPhone Air, when compared to the previous models, suggests lower heat generation (Class A vs the 16 Pro’s Class B).

There are numerous other indicators this won’t be a problem for all but the most intensive and extreme of users (80% as mentioned) - who simply shouldn’t buy the device. But we don’t know yet.

So yes, the jury is still out. We’ll know a lot more from Wednesday.

Not directed at you but more generally, the tech nerd/online discourse around the Air seems over the top and prematurely dismissive to me.

I’d rather wait til we have concrete proof it’s a hot mess (no pun intended) than do so before it’s even been reviewed, let alone released. It’s all rather negative and fun-spongey.

There are a couple factors I think at play here. First, many of us have experienced first gen Apple products with significant compromises that were rectified in subsequent revisions. iPad 1 vs 2 for example. Apple Watch whose first version was literally name revised to “Series 0” lol. There’s precedent here. Most interestingly, the original MacBook Air was way worse (and more of a thermal mess) than the very popular subsequent versions.

Second, Apple’s not doing themselves any favors by insisting on the review embargos. This could have already been put to rest Tuesday night if they’d let us.

Third, the Air is probably also setting off form>function worries from those who have, for example, dealt with the 2016-2019 MacBook Pros.

Overall to me it’s just an interesting situation and I’m not like, rooting for the Air to fail or anything like that. In fact I probably would have bought it anyway if not for the speaker issue. But I guess in this world of Apple secrecy and marketing double speak, it’s just as interesting to try and guess what they might be hiding as what is going to be great about it.

 

[Joseph C]

There are a couple factors I think at play here. First, many of us have experienced first gen Apple products with significant compromises that were rectified in subsequent revisions. iPad 1 vs 2 for example. Apple Watch whose first version was literally name revised to “Series 0” lol. There’s precedent here. Most interestingly, the original MacBook Air was way worse (and more of a thermal mess) than the very popular subsequent versions.

Second, Apple’s not doing themselves any favors by insisting on the review embargos. This could have already been put to rest Tuesday night if they’d let us.

Third, the Air is probably also setting off form>function worries from those who have, for example, dealt with the 2016-2019 MacBook Pros.

Overall to me it’s just an interesting situation and I’m not like, rooting for the Air to fail or anything like that. In fact I probably would have bought it anyway if not for the speaker issue. But I guess in this world of Apple secrecy and marketing double speak, it’s just as interesting to try and guess what they might be hiding as what is going to be great about it.

Believe me, I get it. I’m a dinosaur and remember using System 6 and Mac OS 7 when younger. I’ve been a foolish early adopter of Apple products across their ranges for decades and yes, I’ve been burned a few times. Far fewer times than I’ve been wowed and delighted though.

I remember all of the numerous “fails” we’ve seen over the years. I just choose not to be a relentless cynic about everything, it sucks all the joy out of what I love about technology and Apple particularly. I get that money is involved and it’s not quite as simple but… yeah.

We’re all in the dark until they’re reviewed but early signs (not the ones coming from Apple’s presentation) do stack up to a logical and evidence-based conclusion - yes, only a preliminary one - that the naysayers writing the whole device off are quite possibly premature.

It is not a device for power users. The question to me is how many people really are power users? I’d say far fewer than the number who claim to be. And that’s fine - get that iPhone Pro, no one’s telling them not to.

Doesn’t mean it’s fair to dump all over the Air, especially not before it’s been proven through reviews and independent testing to actually be substandard or problematic (and btw I’m not saying you are doing that!)

 

[Cyberguycpt]

At this point we will all have to sit and wait for real world use to know how this phone will do. I will say the fact that a day after preorders opened and I can still get a launch day Air tells me that I’m not alone in my skepticism. If your someone that really values battery life, that works long hours, that commutes with public transit I would really think twice because the fact that Apple already released a dedicated power bank only for this phone says there may be concerns there.

 

[mikethebigo]

Believe me, I get it. I’m a dinosaur and remember using System 6 and Mac OS 7 when younger. I’ve been a foolish early adopter of Apple products across their ranges for decades and yes, I’ve been burned a few times. Far fewer times than I’ve been wowed and delighted though.

I remember all of the numerous “fails” we’ve seen over the years. I just choose not to be a relentless cynic about everything, it sucks all the joy out of what I love about technology and Apple particularly. I get that money is involved and it’s not quite as simple but… yeah.

We’re all in the dark until they’re reviewed but early signs (not the ones coming from Apple’s presentation) do stack up to a logical and evidence-based conclusion - yes, only a preliminary one - that the naysayers writing the whole device off are quite possibly premature.

It is not a device for power users. The question to me is how many people really are power users? I’d say far fewer than the number who claim to be. And that’s fine - get that iPhone Pro, no one’s telling them not to.

Doesn’t mean it’s fair to dump all over the Air, especially not before it’s been proven through reviews and independent testing to actually be substandard or problematic.

Yeah, and it's probably my tone that's part of the problem. I really don't mean to dump on the phone. I have concerns and find the upcoming investigation of them very interesting. And I just won't put $1k towards a phone until those concerns are fully evaluated.

I mean really, the space in the Air's plateau next to the camera where the entire "iPhone" exists is like the size of an Apple Watch. It really is an enormous feat of engineering to get the whole thing fit up there. But it's just also interesting to wonder what tradeoffs that will cause.

 

[Joseph C]

Yeah, and it's probably my tone that's part of the problem. I really don't mean to dump on the phone. I have concerns and find the upcoming investigation of them very interesting. And I just won't put $1k towards a phone until those concerns are fully evaluated.

I mean really, the space in the Air's plateau next to the camera where the entire "iPhone" exists is like the size of an Apple Watch. It really is an enormous feat of engineering to get the whole thing fit up there. But it's just also interesting to wonder what tradeoffs that will cause.

Yeah, completely get that.

I’m prepared to be disappointed when the reviews/tests come in (though let’s be real, sites like the iconoclastic The Verge are going to put a sarcastic, overly critical spin on it, so discernment is key).

Until then I choose to be excited, optimistic even, even if that leads to disappointment later. Whatever!

Any and all preorders can be cancelled, exchanged or returned.

 

[timeconsumer]

After a few days of thinking about it, I have/had two concerns with the Air. One being the new C1X modem lacking mmWave, and the second is the single speaker.

From what I’m reading, the current speculation is that Apple is reusing the Qualcomm X71 in the 16’s, for the 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max. If that is the case, I think I’d prefer the C1X modem as it’s likely going to be better than that, plus more efficient.

So, then for me, the last remaining concern is the speaker. I use my phone to listen to music while working out at home and cleaning. Then when I’m doom scrolling I’ll use it to watch the occasional video. I did the test that others have suggested, switch to mono audio in the accessibility settings and then cover the bottom speaker, it seems OK until I take my hand off of the bottom speaker and then it’s much louder. I think after a few days I would get used to it but it’s still something I am weighing.

I don’t have any concerns of build quality, heat, or battery life. I think it’ll be just fine for my use for all of that.

 

[rui no onna]

After a few days of thinking about it, I have/had two concerns with the Air. One being the new C1X modem lacking mmWave, and the second is the single speaker.

Frankly, I’ve never once actually gotten mmWave signal on any of my devices.

 

[grovertdog]

Tastes are different. Anything with high-gloss metal bands looks cheap and ugly to me. Camera bumps are also a turn-off.

I've owned two Pro Maxes and I think the 17 Pros are the ugliest thing ever. Yet I'm not wandering into threads for fans of those phones to share my negative opinion. Apple already sells a minimalist bumper that covers the metal bands that horrify you so.

 

[MarkX]

I've owned two Pro Maxes and I think the 17 Pros are the ugliest thing ever. Yet I'm not wandering into threads for fans of those phones to share my negative opinion. Apple already sells a minimalist bumper that covers the metal bands that horrify you so.

People are allowed to have an opinion! it doesn't have to be positive to be shared on here.

 

[timeconsumer]

Frankly, I’ve never once actually gotten mmWave signal on any of my devices.

I think that’s the case for a lot of people. I do have it where I live and I work from home so it gives me peace of mind knowing that I can use my phone as a back up internet connection on mmWave if my internet were to go down. That being said, it would likely be fine using the regular 5G connection too if I didn’t have it. I’m also in areas where it could be population dense with mmWave so I would like to have that option.

 

[grovertdog]

People are allowed to have an opinion! it doesn't have to be positive to be shared on here.

Of course you are right. We live in a self-centered, attention-starved culture where folks are certain the world waits breathlessly for their critiques.

 

[tornadowrangler]

Here here!

100% agree - I am one of those that don't live on the iPhone 24/7 like the influencers.

I want the Air for the slimness, lighter weight and new form factor than the traditional Apple bar style phone.

Air will be the dark horse and sweep the public.

That's why I will be up at 5am Friday to order one!

Can't wait to trade in the 16 Pro for the 17 Air and it's only costing me $619.

View attachment 2546828

Lighter weight? At 165 grams, it's only 12 grams less than the iPhone 17 at 177 grams. Maybe it's just me but that doesn't really seem significantly lighter.

 

[timeconsumer]

Lighter weight? At 165 grams, it's only 12 grams less than the iPhone 17 at 177 grams. Maybe it's just me but that doesn't really seem significantly lighter.

The Air is longer and wider than the 17 so while it’s not a huge difference on paper, it could feel much lighter in the hand. Plus the person you quoted isn’t coming from a 17, but a 16 Pro which does weigh more so that is what that person will be using as their comparison so it’ll be more significant.

 

[grovertdog]

I concur, it’s not fear mongering but a rather healthy skepticism and valid concern.

Both my old iPhone 15 Pro Max and current iPhone 16 Pro Max run quite warm at times. So much I get the warning message which shuts down charging till the phone cools. Going to great lengths to prevent this experience can be annoying.

While it’s encouraging to read about a new thermal management system in the 17 Pro Max, I will give Apple a year to prove it works and may even make further improvements for iPhone 18 Pro Max or whatever they call next years model.

I've taken thousands of photos including raw and burst mode shooting and plenty of videos with my 15PM. My 15 has never felt warm, outside of QI charging, and I've not seen a single heat message in 2 years. I don't game or do "Pro" type things, whatever they might be. I use OEM cases, FWIW.

 

[grovertdog]

I've taken thousands of photos including raw and burst mode shooting and plenty of videos with my 15PM. My 15 has never felt warm, outside of QI charging, and I've not seen a single heat message in 2 years. I don't game or do "Pro" type things, whatever they might be. I use OEM cases, FWIW. I wonder if you have a less than secure QI/MagSafe charger connection. if that connection isn't solid, heat is the first by-product.

 

[grovertdog]

There are a couple factors I think at play here. First, many of us have experienced first gen Apple products with significant compromises that were rectified in subsequent revisions. iPad 1 vs 2 for example. Apple Watch whose first version was literally name revised to “Series 0” lol. There’s precedent here. Most interestingly, the original MacBook Air was way worse (and more of a thermal mess) than the very popular subsequent versions.

First gen iPad and Apple Watch were the first of their category Apple had ever build and sold. As of last month, Apple has sold 3 billion iPhones since first introduced in 2007. I'm hopeful there are no dastardly surprises lurking in the Air.

First gen MBA had its issues for sure, but it worked. It served me well for two years as my mobile computer. Not in the same universe as my current M4 MBA, no question about it.

Horses for courses as they say.

 

[Cyberguycpt]

I've taken thousands of photos including raw and burst mode shooting and plenty of videos with my 15PM. My 15 has never felt warm, outside of QI charging, and I've not seen a single heat message in 2 years. I don't game or do "Pro" type things, whatever they might be. I use OEM cases, FWIW.

I don’t think most people care about phone heat, throttling, etc. The success of this phone will come down to the battery. No one wants a phone with “Range” anxiety. I’ve definitely had an iPhone or two in the past where I made sure to keep the battery percentage indicator off because I hated seeing the drain. Apple can say whatever about the battery but we will have to wait and see the real world use scenarios. And if buying the battery pack becomes a must that will be a dealbreaker for a lot.

 

[Joseph C]

I don’t think most people care about phone heat, throttling, etc. The success of this phone will come down to the battery. No one wants a phone with “Range” anxiety. I’ve definitely had an iPhone or two in the past where I made sure to keep the battery percentage indicator off because I hated seeing the drain. Apple can say whatever about the battery but we will have to wait and see the real world use scenarios. And if buying the battery pack becomes a must that will be a dealbreaker for a lot.

The EU test results prove that by every metric or method of testing the battery, iPhone Air outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro and actually, isn’t far off the 16 Pro Max. Without the MagSafe Battery.

 

[NotApplicable]

Frankly, I’ve never once actually gotten mmWave signal on any of my devices.

Having a mmWave radio is about as useful has having a cdma radio at this point

 

[QuantumPulse]

A typical comment on social media and in many YouTube reviews goes: “Why would anyone pay $999 for an iPhone Air when it has worse specs than even the regular iPhone?”

Could you please finally understand that not every user cares about processor power or professional-grade cameras? Some people specifically want a light, thin, and elegant iPhone. Many iPhone users don’t play demanding games on their phone and only take simple point-and-shoot photos.

To be honest, it really annoys me how even on YouTube there seems to be some kind of baseline for what people are supposed to want from an iPhone. Just because someone like MKBHD prefers a giant phone with huge battery life and a Hollywood-level camera doesn’t mean everyone else should want the same thing.

I think iPhone Air is gonna sell like crazy!

I love the Pro Max series but the Air is the first one I'm thinking heyyyyyy! 👋

 

[zenmacx]

I've taken thousands of photos including raw and burst mode shooting and plenty of videos with my 15PM. My 15 has never felt warm, outside of QI charging, and I've not seen a single heat message in 2 years. I don't game or do "Pro" type things, whatever they might be. I use OEM cases, FWIW.

I use only OEM chargers, accessories etc as I’m a bit of an Apple purist.

With a full complement of iPhones, iPads, MBA and MBP computers and other Apple devices I must say this heating issue is the odd duck. No gaming is involved, just heavy use of the wonderful photo and video capabilities Pro Max models are known for.

Heating issue aside my iPhone 15 Pro Max served me very well. The reason I bought the new iPhone 16 Pro Max to replace it was to put the problem in the rear view mirror. Unfortunately the performance was the same, no matter if MagSafe or wired charging was used heating persists.

I do live in a warm climate but the phone was kept out of direct sunlight when charging, these two are the only problematic ones out of the dozens of iPhones owned since the introduction of the original. We’ll see what the future brings.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

Yes, the Air is just fine for those who want it.

In my view Apple should redesign the $99.00 mouse to make it "Airy" like the iPhone. After, just increase the price to $149.00 or so, making sure to not change the charging port's location. Why should the designers care if its battery dies in the middle of an important task?

 

[carlo2003beta]

I’ve been the owner of iPhone XR, and that was my worst year in terms of camera. Never again with 1 single lens. I’m not a photographer, and I don’t even have a hobby in photography, but the minimum requirement for a camera for me is: macro, .5 wide angle, and 2x optical zoom.

 

[danny842003]

I don’t get it. The supposed benefits don’t outweigh the real negatives for me.
The mini had some good trade offs and I could see the argument.
To me this is a device looking for a problem rather than a solution to a problem.