That's a crummy and weird limitation.
I don't do that sort of thing a ton, but I wouldn't want to "not be able to at all".
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPhone Air Spent weekend w/ Air + 17 Pro, settled on the Pro
- Thread starter lkosak
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
That's a crummy and weird limitation.
I don't do that sort of thing a ton, but I wouldn't want to "not be able to at all".
I’m also wondering about this. Is it due to the limited speed/bandwidth of the non-Pro USB implementation?
Tom’s calls it a flaw but it was a purposeful decision for Apple to use a lesser USB implementation. As MKBHD said, it’s just dumb.
I don't think we know any. My original thought was maybe something about the custom-designed USB-C port necessitated dropping it, but seeing the 16e doesn't have it either, so I don't think that's the case. I'm really at a loss here, really does seem just dumb. Even if it's a "(relatively speaking) no one uses it" thing, it can't be saving them more than a few million dollars which is like change found in between couch cushions to Apple.
Let me double check. I hope i didnt mess that up. Nice catch. They are so very similar. I will link two additional direct downloadable files with exif data and you are welcome to compare. Let me go try to find those original and correct if necessary.
Here are two more with exif data included.
I have spent a couple days with a Pro Max and an Air. I *adore* the form factor of the Air but the camera and battery life are just not up to snuff. Where the Pro Max is not only good at those, but *exceptional*. And they both really matter to me. So annoying as the tank phone is I can't quit it just yet.
I just received the Cloud White Air. It’s a beautiful phone. The form factor is the best I’ve ever experienced with Apple. I’m coming from a 14 Pro. A couple of early items I’ve noticed:
I was concerned about the mono speaker because I listen to podcasts and watch YouTube videos on my phone regularly. Given the reviews I thought the sound was going to be a deal breaker. As it turns out it’s fine. I don’t feel the sound is a disaster for these purposes.
Camera I’m not concerned about.
I will use this phone without a case for the first time as the beauty needs to be appreciated often.
The battery is roughly the same size as the 14 Pro and if it performs at least as well the battery will also be fine.
Overall I’m surprised as I thought I’d want to be returning this phone but it’s not the case at all. It’s a really pleasant upgrade.
This is what has me so torn. The form factor is such a plus. I do use my phone to capture quick candid moments in life when I can't run for the bigger camera. So the thought of, the best camera is the one you have with you rings true.
I picked up the iPhone Air on release day (coming from the 15 Pro Max, which I still have) and had a chance to use it for a couple of days. I actually enjoyed the form factor, especially using it without a case, but I just ordered a Totallee thin case to protect the sides, along with a screen protector.
Here’s what I noticed:
Camera: I’m okay with the quality compared to the 15 Pro Max. It's not like I’m going to print or enlarge the photos — mostly just posting them on social media, and for that, it's more than sufficient. I haven’t really tested the video recording to check if the audio quality is good, though.
Battery: The difference is definitely noticeable. I picked up a battery pack, but I still wanted to test the internal battery. I think I’ll need the battery pack more often than not.
Form Factor: I'm really enjoying how thin and light it is. It feels great in the pocket and hand. No issues here.
I’m still deciding whether I want to keep the phone or return it. At the end of the day, the form factor is the main difference (along with the camera and battery), but it’s still an iPhone — and my 15 Pro Max already does everything the Air can, and more. So I’m not sure if the Air’s form factor alone is enough reason to keep it.
Here’s what I noticed:
Camera: I’m okay with the quality compared to the 15 Pro Max. It's not like I’m going to print or enlarge the photos — mostly just posting them on social media, and for that, it's more than sufficient. I haven’t really tested the video recording to check if the audio quality is good, though.
Battery: The difference is definitely noticeable. I picked up a battery pack, but I still wanted to test the internal battery. I think I’ll need the battery pack more often than not.
Form Factor: I'm really enjoying how thin and light it is. It feels great in the pocket and hand. No issues here.
I’m still deciding whether I want to keep the phone or return it. At the end of the day, the form factor is the main difference (along with the camera and battery), but it’s still an iPhone — and my 15 Pro Max already does everything the Air can, and more. So I’m not sure if the Air’s form factor alone is enough reason to keep it.
I have both and intend to keep both (17 Pro Max and Air). The Air is my backup phone and my one and only real beef with it is the lack of a macro facility on the camera (I use it take pictures of the backs of equipment without pulling them out for a variety of reasons). Super wide angle, and so called telephoto I can do without. I have dedicated cameras to deal with my photographic needs and for standard opportunistic snapshots the existing front and rear cameras are more than adequate.
Single speaker sound, fine as I do not listen to anything on my phone except when it is used as a speaker phone and for that it works well enough. I use Headphones (over ear and AirPods) and Airplay for serious sound listening. Battery life is adequate (it gets through my normal day without an issue (after all I managed with the 11 Pro Max and earlier models)). I like the form factor and lack of excessive bulk and weight. That lack of macro is the one and only reason it is not my main phone. Each to his own and we all have our specific needs. So for the moment it will not be my main phone and is relegated to back up duties, but maybe next time around, who knows?
Single speaker sound, fine as I do not listen to anything on my phone except when it is used as a speaker phone and for that it works well enough. I use Headphones (over ear and AirPods) and Airplay for serious sound listening. Battery life is adequate (it gets through my normal day without an issue (after all I managed with the 11 Pro Max and earlier models)). I like the form factor and lack of excessive bulk and weight. That lack of macro is the one and only reason it is not my main phone. Each to his own and we all have our specific needs. So for the moment it will not be my main phone and is relegated to back up duties, but maybe next time around, who knows?
It's a fascinating read.
Speaker too weak = who cares, I don't need speakers, it's just a phone. Who uses speakers anyway? You should all be wearing AirPods in your ears all the time anyway, are you animals?
Single camera lens = just buy an actual camera and don't take photos of your kids. Live in the moment instead of looking at your phone (say the people who buy this thing for the aesthetics).
Scratched back on Day 1 = there are people who are coming to stores with knives looking to scratch these phones.
Phone has A19 Pro = it's the best one, has the power of the Pro, but without the weight.
Phone throttles the A19 Pro = of course it throttles, it's super thin, we knew this would happen.
Battery life gets worse while not on home Wi-Fi - now this one is a missed opportunity, I have to say I'm disappointed because this was a great chance to say that you don't need to leave the house anyway, you can just work from home and order take-out. I was saddened that this argument was not utilized.
As we’re getting conflicting reports on battery, can you elaborate a little on what you’re doing on the phone that drained the battery?
Wow! That photo might be what pushes me that direction. And no, not being sarcastic or trolling. But youre right. I need to just spend some time with it.
For me. yes, but I haven't used a case on any phone in years, so it's normal for me.
Why would there be a comparison? The Air has the same lens as the pro for the main lens, It just has less lenses for near and far distances. I mean this really isn't that complicated, if you want more flexibility and control over your photos get a pro. If you don't take a lot of photos and just point and click when you do, get an Air.
The Pro’s main camera lens is physically larger than the Air’s.
Just daily usage (social media, YouTube, maps, Tesla app, background push notifications). I’ve noticed I get slightly better battery life when I turn on Low Power Mode.
Regarding the battery of the Air.
I pretty much did a full day of hotspotting on Saturday and it faired the same way as my 15 Pro… not worse nor better.
I usually get an aramid fiber slim case so minimal bulk with great protection. iPitaka and Benks make some nice options. I sometimes go caseless as well. I do think this new generation of glass is more susceptible to micro scratches than the 15 Pro Max was.
I’m using a case like I always do. I might switch to the bumper when that arrives if I haven’t swapped the Air for the 17 yet.
Light phone + slim case is still going to be lighter than heavy phone + slim case.