iPhone Air The Air is just plain awesome

[NauticalDan]

The Air wasn’t even on my radar to actually upgrade to. After the introduction of it, I was sold and knew it was for me.

If you’re the type of person who used to get excited for new iPhones, lineup at the store on launch day before online orders became a thing, you really gotta try it. It feels like this is the way the iPhone was always meant to be.

But what about the compromises? Man, I remember when carrying around a thick heavy phone was considered the biggest compromise you’d want to avoid. This thing is a delight for normal phone users who don’t need professional grade cameras and a battery to play hours of 3D games. The tech influencers are ruining this for some people. They aren’t normal users who this thing is designed for.

 

[ab2c4]

The Air IS awesome. But it’s also a terrible value proposition, that makes it a tough sell for most…

The MacBook Air works in the lineup because it’s priced accordingly compared to the Pros. The iPhone Air will (most likely) fail because it’s demanding nearly Pro level prices for functionality that can’t even compete with what the base model can offer for $200 LESS and not nearly enough to compete with the Pros at only $100-200 more. It’s not even all that much thinner OR lighter than the base 17.

With that said… It IS a premium, and gorgeous, experience in what it can actually offer. One that instills a sense of joy and excitement that none of the other phones in the lineup seemingly can. And for those who barely use, or rely on, their phone (though why would you be looking at a $1000+ smartphone anyway if this type of user is you?), it very may well be the ideal companion.👏🏼

The Air is actually for people who spend a lot of time on their phones actually. It has the best form factor, design, and weight specifically for using it a lot. Plus it has a good camera and battery (battery life same as 15/16 Pro which I consider good). Its not designed for heavy gamers (if you are a heavy gamer you should be gaming on pc or consoles anyways IMO), nor is it for people who take pics all day long for their jobs, or people that do lots of video editing on their phones.

Most phone users "think" they are Pro users and need a Pro model but they really don't. Web browsing, phone calls/FaceTime, texting, reddit and youtube don't require a Pro phone.

 

[dizmonk]

The Air wasn’t even on my radar to actually upgrade to. After the introduction of it, I was sold and knew it was for me.

If you’re the type of person who used to get excited for new iPhones, lineup at the store on launch day before online orders became a thing, you really gotta try it. It feels like this is the way the iPhone was always meant to be.

But what about the compromises? Man, I remember when carrying around a thick heavy phone was considered the biggest compromise you’d want to avoid. This thing is a delight for normal phone users who don’t need professional grade cameras and a battery to play hours of 3D games. The tech influencers are ruining this for some people. They aren’t normal users who this thing is designed for.

When I saw the keynote, I was like... meh... a thinner phone, so what? When I went into the store and first picked it up, I was like meh... a thinner phone, so what? Then I thought, let me buy this and actually try it out... After three days, I was like... OH...now I get it..

 

[Krabba]

Funny, same here… nice not having a brick in your pocket pulling your pants down for no reason when you can have better

Did a nice long hike with my dogs yesterday evening and I used to have to put my 15 PM in a fanny pack because it would weigh my shorts down so much. Literally was patting my pocket every 1/4 mile or so to ensure I still had the Air on me.

It feels like this is the way the iPhone was always meant to be.

This.

Man, I remember when carrying around a thick heavy phone was considered the biggest compromise you’d want to avoid.

Also this. Unsure if that makes us old though... 🤔

The Air is actually for people who spend a lot of time on their phones actually. It has the best form factor, design, and weight specifically for using it a lot.

Agreed. I've explained this to several people and once they hold mine, even for a few seconds, they "get it".

 

[BigMcGuire]

Did a nice long hike with my dogs yesterday evening and I used to have to put my 15 PM in a fanny pack because it would weigh my shorts down so much. Literally was patting my pocket every 1/4 mile or so to ensure I still had the Air on me.

This.

Also this. Unsure if that makes us old though... 🤔

Agreed. I've explained this to several people and once they hold mine, even for a few seconds, they "get it".

This is the most attractive thing about the iPhone Air to me. I'm so tired of my 15 Pro Max pulling down my pants and my shorts. I lost 10 pounds over the last few months and even with a belt, as I walk, my phone tugs my pants down constantly. It's heavy and not fun to walk with in any pocket (never was).

I can get the Air through Verizon for $8/mo (for 36 months) but I'm afraid I will miss the extra cameras and ... my phone is paid off right now so it's nice not having to have a phone payment (battery health still at 103%).

LOVE the idea of having an Apple made MagSafe to extend it at home if I want.

I want to get rid of my iPad and just have a phone for my book reading - news reading away from my computer.

So very on the fence.

 

[Krabba]

I'm afraid I will miss the extra cameras

This was/is my biggest concern. I went through my photo library to see how many of my shots were either ultra wide or telephoto. Turns out about 15% combined were with my 15 PM. Traveling for pleasure (college football games mostly) a bit over the next month so this is when I'm sure I will miss them the most. The upside is my wife has a 15 PM so I'll just capture the shots I want those lenses for with hers. Win-win for me.

 

[nepalisherpa]

I know a lot of folks in my circle that use Pro Max phones only to browse Facebook and Instagram. They opted for camera features but have no clue on how to edit photos. Like I said in my other post in a different thread, majority of people will always go for the higher end models because they want the best for their money. Then, the other group, specs-fanatics, will also always go for the higher end models. These folks can't live without "vapor chamber cooling" any more.

So, it makes sense that Pro models have higher sale numbers than Air because only enthusiasts will buy an Air.

 

[Thor_9]

This is why I chose to keep my 15PM in the event I may need the telephoto or ultra wide angle lens. Compared to my new Air, the PM is like carrying a brick.

3 ounces makes it feel like a brick???

 

[ab2c4]

This was/is my biggest concern. I went through my photo library to see how many of my shots were either ultra wide or telephoto. Turns out about 15% combined were with my 15 PM. Traveling for pleasure (college football games mostly) a bit over the next month so this is when I'm sure I will miss them the most. The upside is my wife has a 15 PM so I'll just capture the shots I want those lenses for with hers. Win-win for me.

I have explained this to my wife as well. I'm getting the Air while she only wants the Pro Max at this point. So I told her "we can use your phone for important pics that require a telephoto". I don't need the ultra wide or telephoto other than maybe once a year at the absolute most, so I can just use my wife's phone when I need to.

 

[ab2c4]

3 ounces makes it feel like a brick???

Yes, a 3 ounce difference on a phone is a MASSIVE difference.

 

[nepalisherpa]

3 ounces makes it feel like a brick???

While wearing jeans, it won't, but, while wearing shorts (especially gym shorts), it makes a difference.

 

[Macdctr]

keeping a phone that people are buying used for £600+ on the off chance of needing to take a specific photo is not something I can comprehend

You don’t need to.

 

[Macdctr]

3 ounces makes it feel like a brick???

It comes down to preference. The Air is lighter than my 15PM. Nothing more to be said about this.

 

[danpass]

I’m so pleased with my decision. The Air is a pure delight to use. I’ve picked up my 16 Pro a few times and it feels horrible now. It’ll be traded in at Apple to contribute to the Air’s price.

Done …. actually … redone

 

[rui no onna]

Exactly that phone would be tucked away at home. And when I need that photo, the phone would be dead and need charging.

That's what happens with my mirrorless camera. Not an issue with iPhones since everything is automatically uploaded to iCloud.

The bigger issue is the camera usually just stays in the hotel room instead of with me so it's essentially useless.

 

[rui no onna]

Perhaps the greatest distinction between the two platforms is the freedom and flexibility offered by Android. Those sequestered within the Apple bubble are hard pressed to remain open minded and accept that the Apple way isn't the only way.

That openness is currently at risk with Google's recent plans to require developer verification for all apps including sideloaded ones.

 

[zenmacx]

That openness is currently at risk with Google's recent plans to require developer verification for all apps including sideloaded ones.

Yes indeed, in this ever changing tech space things move swiftly. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

 

[jonnyb098]

The Air wasn’t even on my radar to actually upgrade to. After the introduction of it, I was sold and knew it was for me.

If you’re the type of person who used to get excited for new iPhones, lineup at the store on launch day before online orders became a thing, you really gotta try it. It feels like this is the way the iPhone was always meant to be.

But what about the compromises? Man, I remember when carrying around a thick heavy phone was considered the biggest compromise you’d want to avoid. This thing is a delight for normal phone users who don’t need professional grade cameras and a battery to play hours of 3D games. The tech influencers are ruining this for some people. They aren’t normal users who this thing is designed for.

Tech Youtubers have become a toxic pile of repetition. They exist purely for clicks and revenue. Thankfully there are plenty outside the mainstream that actually put thought into their content.