iPhone Air The iPhone Air Is Underpriced and Should Have Started at $1,299

[nyc232]

Here is a thought experiment. Imagine the iPhone Air launched as a luxury device at $1,299 instead of $999. At its current price, the Air falls into an uncomfortable space, priced above the standard iPhone but below the entry-level Pro. The problem is that it clearly lacks the Pro’s important features, including the full camera system and the larger battery, which makes it feel like a compromise. Even though it is built with premium materials and designed to be thinner and lighter, its placement so close to the Pro highlights what is missing rather than what makes it special.

By setting the price at $1,299, Apple could have reframed the Air as a true luxury alternative rather than a stripped down Pro. The phone is not meant for spec chasers but for those who value design, portability, and materials. A higher price would have strengthened that identity and helped the Air stand apart as an elite option. That kind of positioning often shapes perception more than specs, and it might have made the Air feel aspirational instead of compromised.

 

[Andres Cantu]

The MacBook Air and iPad Air have never been above their Pro counterparts in terms of product placement. Having the iPhone Air at the top of the iPhone lineup would cause confusion and inconsistency.

At $999 or $1,299, in that scenario, the specs wouldn't have changed. So people would regardless see it as a stripped down Pro in that sense and then backlash would be expected.

 

[nyc232]

The MacBook Air and iPad Air have never been above their Pro counterparts in terms of product placement. Having the iPhone Air at the top of the iPhone lineup would cause confusion and inconsistency.

At $999 or $1,299, in that scenario, the specs wouldn't have changed. So people would regardless see it as a stripped down Pro in that sense and then backlash would be expected.

I see your point, but remember that when the original MacBook Air came out it started at $1,799, which was extremely high. Part of that was because SSDs were expensive at the time, but it also meant the product carried a premium aura. Apple has used pricing to shape perception before, and the iPhone Air could have been positioned the same way. A higher price would have made it feel like a luxury alternative rather than a stripped down Pro.

 

[Andres Cantu]

Good point. Still, that MacBook Air had the advantage of the speedy SSD, even while having limitations in storage capacity.

What advantage would the iPhone Air have over the Pro to price it as the flagship, besides form factor?

Plus, that MacBook Air was the first time the "Air" name was used. People are now much more used to it being a middle-of-the-road option. Even more so once the low cost MacBook is released next year.

 

[The Doctor11]

I think they’re setting themselves up for the Air to be the mid tier phone at 1k, so they can majorly bump up the pros in price. Maybe as the flip?

 

[grovertdog]

I see your point, but remember that when the original MacBook Air came out it started at $1,799, which was extremely high. Part of that was because SSDs were expensive at the time, but it also meant the product carried a premium aura. Apple has used pricing to shape perception before, and the iPhone Air could have been positioned the same way. A higher price would have made it feel like a luxury alternative rather than a stripped down Pro.

You make an interesting point. Perception is reality. We have folks going nuts over a second terrible speaker like it's the end of mankind who likely hadn't even thought about the issue a month ago. The premium price you suggest could create the "wow, this is higher level, of course they can't check all the boxes" mindset? With that said, Apple marketing is way smarter than me. Although I really don't dig the Apple Store in-person experience as I once did. Sometimes it seems like they aren't interested in actually, ummm, selling product?

 

[nyc232]

Good point. Still, that MacBook Air had the advantage of the speedy SSD, even while having limitations in storage capacity.

What advantage would the iPhone Air have over the Pro to price it as the flagship, besides form factor?

Plus, that MacBook Air was the first time the "Air" name was used. People are now much more used to it being a middle-of-the-road option. Even more so once the low cost MacBook is released next year.

That is a good question, but I think we have to look at this less as disposable technology and more as a luxury or fashion item. The advantage is not about outperforming the Pro on paper, it is about how the product is framed and perceived. People pay thousands for designer sneakers even though they do not last longer or perform better than standard shoes. The point is the luxury appeal and the identity the product communicates. The iPhone Air could have been that kind of product, where the thinness, materials, and overall feel make it aspirational. In that sense, the price itself becomes the advantage. And I really think if the Air had been positioned that way, as the hot new thing for people who want design and fashion over functionality, we would not be seeing it available on launch day. There is a big market for that kind of product.

 

[mjpearce023]

The air is more expensive according to AT&T. I could trade my 15pro in and get a 17pro for free but to trade it in on the Air cost me 170!

 

[Andres Cantu]

I mean, it certainly looks a lot more premium and fashionable than the Pro, in large part thanks to the polished titanium.

Still, I'm pretty sure most people would be happier paying $999 for it rather than $1,299

 

[NotApplicable]

Part of that was because SSDs were expensive at the time,

The original MacBook Air’s hard drive was an iPod spinning disk hdd

 

[joshwithachance]

I wouldn’t buy it at $1299. But I did GLEEFULLY at $999 ($299 with trade-in).

 

[mlayer]

Here is a thought experiment. Imagine the iPhone Air launched as a luxury device at $1,299 instead of $999. At its current price, the Air falls into an uncomfortable space, priced above the standard iPhone but below the entry-level Pro. The problem is that it clearly lacks the Pro’s important features, including the full camera system and the larger battery, which makes it feel like a compromise. Even though it is built with premium materials and designed to be thinner and lighter, its placement so close to the Pro highlights what is missing rather than what makes it special.

By setting the price at $1,299, Apple could have reframed the Air as a true luxury alternative rather than a stripped down Pro. The phone is not meant for spec chasers but for those who value design, portability, and materials. A higher price would have strengthened that identity and helped the Air stand apart as an elite option. That kind of positioning often shapes perception more than specs, and it might have made the Air feel aspirational instead of compromised.

I've alluded the Air to being a halo car elsewhere on these forums, in that it will bring people into stores. Consumers may buy it, they may buy the regular 17 or the Pro/Max instead. I don't think I would go so far as to assert that the Air actually is Apple's halo car. I think Apple's keeping their powder dry for the folding phone. As astonishing as the Air looks and probably feels, the folding phone will be the true showstopper that will be too rich for some people's blood and will be a status symbol when it is released. The Air needs to establish itself and that's fine for the next year. It should be able to sell itself pretty quickly.

 

[Thisismattwade]

The air is more expensive according to AT&T. I could trade my 15pro in and get a 17pro for free but to trade it in on the Air cost me 170!

It’s the weirdest thing! I’m glad I wasn’t the only person to notice that. I can’t figure it out.

I’d prolly get the Air if I couldn’t get a Pro Max for cheaper (with trade-in and bill credits).

 

[4sallypat]

But wait, my Air is $1199 !

 

[dmdcash]

deleted.

 

[JPack]

Apple tried that with the Watch Edition and that thing had real gold. How did it perform?

People aren't stupid.

 

[menist]

Air, as it is right now, is not worthy of $1299. They need to make a better product to warrant such price!

Maybe in the future with an Air Ultra.

 

[powerbook911]

If two speakers and an ultra wide, they might could have tried to position it as a luxury product and priced it equal or more than Pro. Maybe!

However, I think they went the best route, especially with the compromises on the speakers and cameras.

 

[Macalway]

Don't feed the haters. My goodness

 

[mjpearce023]

It’s the weirdest thing! I’m glad I wasn’t the only person to notice that. I can’t figure it out.

I’d prolly get the Air if I couldn’t get a Pro Max for cheaper (with trade-in and bill credits).

Yeah I was mad when I saw it. I almost switched to T-Mobile because of it but it seemed like a lot of hassle. I’ll probably call AT&T and threaten to cancel to see what they will take off the bill

 

[blairh]

Here is a thought experiment. Imagine the iPhone Air launched as a luxury device at $1,299 instead of $999. At its current price, the Air falls into an uncomfortable space, priced above the standard iPhone but below the entry-level Pro. The problem is that it clearly lacks the Pro’s important features, including the full camera system and the larger battery, which makes it feel like a compromise. Even though it is built with premium materials and designed to be thinner and lighter, its placement so close to the Pro highlights what is missing rather than what makes it special.

By setting the price at $1,299, Apple could have reframed the Air as a true luxury alternative rather than a stripped down Pro. The phone is not meant for spec chasers but for those who value design, portability, and materials. A higher price would have strengthened that identity and helped the Air stand apart as an elite option. That kind of positioning often shapes perception more than specs, and it might have made the Air feel aspirational instead of compromised.

Why not price it at $9,999? Make it truly premium or go home.

 

[transpo1]

Here is a thought experiment. Imagine the iPhone Air launched as a luxury device at $1,299 instead of $999. At its current price, the Air falls into an uncomfortable space, priced above the standard iPhone but below the entry-level Pro. The problem is that it clearly lacks the Pro’s important features, including the full camera system and the larger battery, which makes it feel like a compromise. Even though it is built with premium materials and designed to be thinner and lighter, its placement so close to the Pro highlights what is missing rather than what makes it special.

By setting the price at $1,299, Apple could have reframed the Air as a true luxury alternative rather than a stripped down Pro. The phone is not meant for spec chasers but for those who value design, portability, and materials. A higher price would have strengthened that identity and helped the Air stand apart as an elite option. That kind of positioning often shapes perception more than specs, and it might have made the Air feel aspirational instead of compromised.

It is a luxury device but at a lower price point. We should applaud Apple for doing this. Their engineers realized that functionally, they had to split the luxury materials and qualities (titanium, thinness) away from the Pro lineup so that it could grow more powerful (with better heat dissipation, etc.). This could be a mistake because it may lower sales of the Pros in the long run but they’re taking chances and anytime Apple does that, that’s a good thing. Let’s see how the Air and new Pros sell.

Now, the iPhone Fold— that will be the true luxury device. 💰🤑

 

[transpo1]

But wait, my Air is $1199 !

View attachment 2552102

See, you can pay more if you really try! 🤣 Congrats on the new phone!

 

[TechnoMonk]

lol what? I would try to get a deal never pay more.

 

[TheRdungeon]

I wondered that myself. The air is at least in part a high status and convenience symbol, but it costs less than the Pro so it doesn’t really work as a status symbol