iPhone Air The Air reviews have dropped and the speaker's junk

[turbineseaplane]

Imagine if Samsung posters told others to use earbuds as a solution to everything.

We’re seeing classic psyc defensive mechanisms like “it doesn’t matter anyway” (minimization) to “you shouldn’t use speakers anyway” (justification and superiority). They’ve taken the whole Steve Jobs thing about holding it wrong to whole another level.

Yep!
Folks really need to hold Apple to higher standards.

They are letting the Overton window be shifted on them and seemingly not realizing it as it happens.

 

[digimc]

If speaker quality is a deal breaker for you in CELL PHONE you may need to reassess your priorities in life...

Because what we really should be talking about is the fact that it gets nearly IDENTICAL battery life to the base 17 with a larger display and smaller battery while being notably lighter and thinner.

Well you know Apple didn't include a 12 speaker digital surround sound package in the new Air, so now it's junk and not worth buying.

 

[joeblow7777]

I'm not getting an Air anyway but I have to say, speaker quality is probably the very last thing I worry about on a smartphone. Other than the occasional call that I might put on speaker because others in the room are part of the conversation, there's pretty much no scenario when I'm listening to something from my phone through its speakers as opposed to headphones/earbuds or a bluetooth speaker.

And yes, I understand that other people use their devices differently, and I can see why poor speakers might be a deal breaker for some. I'm just saying that for me and probably a lot of others it's a non-issue.

 

[I am Sampson]

i find it odd that many people would want to listen to music from any iphone, the speakers are appalling. I wouldn't even do it on my m4 iPad Pro, get at least a basic bluetooth speaker; it literally hurts to listen to music from a phone speaker.

 

[thebellnd]

Good for you - and I completely agree. I'm swapping my Air out if I miss anything in the first 2 weeks but tbh I think I'm ready for it and can live with its compromises just fine. If anything were to swing me it'd be the back camera situation I think.

The widespread crash out happening over the Air is fascinating from a psychological perspective. It seems a little like some Pro users are a bit mad they can't have the most beautiful model, so have to try and convince themselves the Air is completely appalling.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of reviews show it's a very capable phone, albeit with understandable compromises given its thin profile.

You can have the sexiest iPhone OR the most powerful one. You can't have both this year. Deal with it.

This is an excellent take. Everyone has to make compromises this year, unless you buy both like me.

 

[Cutecat66]

Having AirPods and being forced to wear them are two different things. At home, I don’t need to or want to wear AirPods.

If you really like the Air other than the speaker for home use, simply get a small speaker to set up at home.

 

[digimc]

Probably because mono speaker hasn’t been a thing since the iPhone 6 era?

And that's a fair point yes. I would argue that with the proliferation of earbuds, not saying everyone has a pair but most do, that the speaker quality of ALL iPhones has become a non-issue. I could understand if Apple had done something so radical as to completely remove all speakers from the Air, but this doesn't quite rise to the level of vitriol that we saw from "You can take my headphone jack when you pry it from my cold dead hands". At least to me it doesn't

 

[Anaxarxes]

iPhone Air review: The thinnest iPhone ever, but at what cost? - 9to5Mac

Every so often, Apple makes a design decision that draws a line in the sand. One that feels like a...

9to5mac.com

• The iPhone Air has a single speaker, located in the earpiece at the top of the device. There isn’t a speaker on the bottom like there is on other iPhone models. This was noticeable right away to me. If you regularly listen to podcasts or music using just your iPhone speakers (especially in the shower), you’ll want to invest in a Bluetooth speaker.

It's a no buy from me

The shower podcast people are furious.

 

[Andeddu]

I just want to know how the Air performs under serious load for a prolonged period of time. As much as I really like the Air, getting the 17 Pro is the most rational decision for me.

 

[Vaporbaked94]

I ordered the Air because it’s such an interesting piece of tech that still does everything I need.

I don’t watch videos or play games on my Phone and I can just take my JBL waterproof speaker to the bathroom when I shower for music. The mono speaker and thermal issues with sustained workload just aren’t issues I’ll run into with my devices.

Battery life is absolutely better than my base 16 and I never use the ultra wide camera so I’m not losing ANY functionality when I upgrade.

 

[JPack]

And that's a fair point yes. I would argue that with the proliferation of earbuds, not saying everyone has a pair but most do, that the speaker quality of ALL iPhones has become a non-issue. I could understand if Apple had done something so radical as to completely remove all speakers from the Air, but this doesn't quite rise to the level of vitriol that we saw from "You can take my headphone jack when you pry it from my cold dead hands". At least to me it doesn't

If it were a non-issue, Apple would have deleted the second speaker from iPhone 7 onward to save space. Or maybe iPhone 11 or 14. Apple’s actions tell you speakers are important.

 

[C. Robert]

Cellphone speakers are not really great. Okay in a pinch but thats it.

 

[TNman]

iPhone Air review: The thinnest iPhone ever, but at what cost? - 9to5Mac

Every so often, Apple makes a design decision that draws a line in the sand. One that feels like a...

9to5mac.com

• The iPhone Air has a single speaker, located in the earpiece at the top of the device. There isn’t a speaker on the bottom like there is on other iPhone models. This was noticeable right away to me. If you regularly listen to podcasts or music using just your iPhone speakers (especially in the shower), you’ll want to invest in a Bluetooth speaker.

It's a no buy from me

Oh No. They’re devastated

 

[techspin]

I mean, one speaker works just fine. You also only need one eyeball to see. Besides the amazing form factor, the air is worse than the pro in every single way. The slimness is almost enough to tempt me, but I’m used to basic stuff like zooming in more than 2x for a great quality photo and all day battery during busy days.

 

[Moukee]

but they all sound terrible

That's the thing with phone speakers. They are fine for spoken content like podcasts but that's about it. Music sounds horrible even on Pro models. And stereo? The speakers are so close to each other that they make for a very poor stereo experience.

Sure, maybe it's a bit worse on the Air but you're comparing pretty bad with a little worse than pretty bad. Use headphones or external speakers if you love music.

Out of all the compromises the Air makes this one is the least significant in my opinion.

 

[Joseph C]

I mean, one speaker works just fine. You also only need one eyeball to see. Besides the amazing form factor, the air is worse than the pro in every single way. The slimness is almost enough to tempt me, but I’m used to basic stuff like zooming in more than 2x for a great quality photo and all day battery during busy days.

Lol besides its by far biggest selling point, it’s worse than the Pro in every way. 🤣

 

[tomtad]

Of course it’s not going to be as good as dual speakers, but it’s certainly loud enough and clear enough.

View attachment 2550615

So the iPhone 17, which is £200 cheaper, is ‘like’ 40% louder

 

[Smoke Bar]

Lol besides its by far biggest selling point, it’s worse than the Pro in every way. 🤣

Make sure there's a fridge close by if you want to do any real work.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

If it were a non-issue, Apple would have deleted the second speaker from iPhone 7 onward to save space. Or maybe iPhone 11 or 14. Apple’s actions tell you speakers are important.

I was quite impressed with the speakers in my iPhone 16 Pro. Sound output is comparable with my M1 iPad Pro 13”, and that has 4 speakers. It’s pretty amazing how iPhone speakers have improved over the years.

 

[tomtad]

No where in that review does it say the speaker is trash. Words have meaning and I think it is wrong of you to create a thread to twist there truth to match your personal agenda.

I disagree. I have no agenda, was looking to purchase the Air and was waiting for the reviews.

The review doesn’t state that the speaker is alright, or not quite as good as the regular phone. It says it’s immediately apparent it’s not as good, and you’ll need to use a speaker if you’re trying to listen to this is say the shower.

That is a notable downgrade and in my eyes junk. I shouldn’t need to be getting a separate speaker to do something I’m currently able to do.

 

[Bacong]

iPhone Air is beautiful but obviously full of compromises. Of the new lineup, it has the worst camera, speakers, battery life, and the worst thermal performance is likely. Its only selling point is a remarkably thin body. This is indeed enough for some users, and I salute them. The ones who slap it in a silly case though, or grab that battery pack, what are you doing?

 

[fatTribble]

If you live even remotely close to an Apple Store or anyplace you can hear the speaker for yourself, I’d check it out in person.

I wouldn’t let one review turn me off of a purchase.

 

[techspin]

Lol besides its by far biggest selling point, it’s worse than the Pro in every way. 🤣

Indeed! It’s slimmm and probably feels great. Now the cons when cross-shopping with the pros.

-One camera. What is this? 2015 called and they want their cyclops phone back.
-Lesser battery.
-1 speaker.
-Slower charging and data.
-No vapor chamber goodness.

If you ordered the air, 1 speaker shouldn't be a deterrent at all. The slim form factor is a big part of the experience, and I wouldn't be opposed to changing my order.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I disagree. I have no agenda, was looking to purchase the Air and was waiting for the reviews.

The review doesn’t state that the speaker is alright, or not quite as good as the regular phone. It says it’s immediately apparent it’s not as good, and you’ll need to use a speaker if you’re trying to listen to this is say the shower.

That is a notable downgrade and in my eyes junk. I shouldn’t need to be getting a separate speaker to do something I’m currently able to do.

A single speaker being immediately apparent is not the same thing as the speaker being trash, which is what you said. Whether or not the single speaker is acceptable depends on the individual, and the regular use of sound by said person with the phone. There is no doubt that stereo speakers are nice. However I have had back to back PM models and I have barely used my external speakers. As such, the Air speaker should be fine for me.

 

[fatTribble]

The widespread crash out happening over the Air is fascinating from a psychological perspective. It seems a little like some Pro users are a bit mad they can't have the most beautiful model, so have to try and convince themselves the Air is completely appalling.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of reviews show it's a very capable phone, albeit with understandable compromises given its thin profile.

You can have the sexiest iPhone OR the most powerful one. You can't have both this year. Deal with it.

If Apple bought Porsche the new 911 reviews would complain about rear seat room along with comparisons that someone’s 20 year old pickup can haul more firewood.