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iPhone Air The psychology of the iPhone Air crash outs
- Thread starter Joseph C
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It’s cool that you find this interesting, but this doesn’t seem like anything new. Whether it’s pixel peepers or Windows gamers (and Jeebus forbid you throw “car people” in the mix), there’s always been that tension about what defines “best.”
Even amongst Apple’s laptops (Air vs Pro) we’ve seen this schism for a long time, where some people tend to assume that anyone who doesn’t see the obvious answer (read “their opinion”) is foolish. Is it the best bang for the buck? Maybe. Is it the most sophisticated/aesthetically pleasing? Perhaps. The most “future proof”? Has the best resale value? Fills your heart with joy? Sure, could be.
Personally, I don’t see a loser in the bunch. Well, except for maybe the people who argue over which is better 😉
Even amongst Apple’s laptops (Air vs Pro) we’ve seen this schism for a long time, where some people tend to assume that anyone who doesn’t see the obvious answer (read “their opinion”) is foolish. Is it the best bang for the buck? Maybe. Is it the most sophisticated/aesthetically pleasing? Perhaps. The most “future proof”? Has the best resale value? Fills your heart with joy? Sure, could be.
Personally, I don’t see a loser in the bunch. Well, except for maybe the people who argue over which is better 😉
Yeah the plus was meant to solve this but Apples Pricing ladder just pushed people up.
I agree with OP’s premise. For me if the regular 17 had a telephoto lens then I’d be fine. I get the pro for the same reason I got the ultra watch, I like the idea of its ability. Do I do hyper-marathons? No. Do I need to use Genlock? No. but I like that I am not limited by the device, I’m limited my my own skill/ability.
it’s aspirational for me.
it’s aspirational for me.
I’ve never understood the iPhone being used as a fashion statement, bragging rights or to show off in any way. Most all of my friends are software engineers or in related fields. We all love iPhones but we all appreciate it for what it can, do not so we can impress some random person. We remember when memory was measured in KB not GB. We remember when mobile phones were too big to fit in a jeans pocket. It’s the technology that still amazes me. Why anyone cares what someone else bought or likes just baffles me.
I feel the same way, which is why confronting all those fanboys of the period was so frustrating. Arguing with someone who would never change their viewpoint and consistently moved the goalposts of the argument in order to 'be right' and 'win' was dumbfounding. Asking them why they didn't get 'X' so they could use that to club other people over the head even more was something they couldn't answer and a way to set them back.
I don't really care what anyone buys and I'm not checking their Settings app for the capacity of their iPhone either. But sheesh, if it was going to shut up their superiority complex at the time, I was going to use it.
We had a lot of that type here in the MR forums in 2011-2013. I wish I could say they left, but I suspect it's more that they just stopped expressing themselves.
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Lots of people on the Internet confuse “not for me” with “not for anyone.” Also a lot of people who don’t think strategically and over a long enough timespan.
I certainly understand why someone might look at the Air and say “way too many compromises.” I ordered one, but think I’ll end up returning it for a Pro Max because of the compromises. We’ll see. But it really seems like the fact Apple made the device bothers people, and I don’t get that. Even if I had zero interest in the device, Apple building this phone is going to result in better iPhones in the future.
Those of us who were around for the introduction of the first MacBook Air remember it being an expensive and underpowered device that didn’t appeal to power users. And boy were some aMacRumors users upset about it. Just look at this selection of posts from a random page on this MacRumors thread about the introduction:
It’s a lot of the exact same arguments. “[x] is missing”, “it’s too expensive”, “too many compromises”, “what’s the obsession with thin”, “it’s just a fashion device” etc.
A lot of the criticisms were valid. It was too expensive, it made a lot of compromises, and a lot of people did need things that it removed. It wasn’t for everyone. But the innovations that made the Air possible eventually made their way into all MacBooks. I suspect that the fact the iPhone Air exists will lead to thinner, lighter, and better iPhone Pros in the future - even if Apple never makes another ultra thin phone.
So be happy Apple thinks a market exits for the iPhone Air. It’ll lead to better phones for everyone.
I certainly understand why someone might look at the Air and say “way too many compromises.” I ordered one, but think I’ll end up returning it for a Pro Max because of the compromises. We’ll see. But it really seems like the fact Apple made the device bothers people, and I don’t get that. Even if I had zero interest in the device, Apple building this phone is going to result in better iPhones in the future.
Those of us who were around for the introduction of the first MacBook Air remember it being an expensive and underpowered device that didn’t appeal to power users. And boy were some aMacRumors users upset about it. Just look at this selection of posts from a random page on this MacRumors thread about the introduction:
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Like a lot of the 'pro-airbook' posts, you seem to believe that simply being 'thin' is some kind of a special feature that we need.
Thats not correct.
The dimensions that matter are the screen size, because it affects the overall size, the size that matters when it goes into a bag.
Its reasonably obvious that the last compact laptop, the PB12" was very popular.
It happened to be:
2" narrower, 1/4" thicker, and 0.3" less deep.
It had a 1.5 ghz processor (only 100 hz slower than this one)
It had ALL the ports and drives and connectors you could want.
It retailed at $1499 USD.
It weighed 4.6 pounds, 1.6 pounds heavier than the Airbook.
It was last produced in October 2005.
If this new machine is so great, how has it managed to throw away all the advantages of the PB12" for a trade-off of:
A smaller drive
no optical
no ports
$300 more expensive
1.3" bigger screen. (wow)
1.6 pounds lighter
1/4" thinner.
Not very much faster processor.
A full 2" wider - thats where it gets to be too big.
And a frickin' glossy screen...
This is NOT progress - this is obsession with looks and 'thin'.
I would expect the 'new' compact laptop to be considerably better than the PB 12" - this is NOT the case.
Something has gone awry in the development and final production of this machine - who knows what? Somebody got tunnel vision with 'thin'....
Its not right, and most here see that.
Hopefully it will sell, but after all the recent successes, its a disappointment.
It could have been so much better.
BTW, idiots isnt the best word to throw around - I would hazard a guess that a lot of people here are fairly bright....
It’s a lot of the exact same arguments. “[x] is missing”, “it’s too expensive”, “too many compromises”, “what’s the obsession with thin”, “it’s just a fashion device” etc.
A lot of the criticisms were valid. It was too expensive, it made a lot of compromises, and a lot of people did need things that it removed. It wasn’t for everyone. But the innovations that made the Air possible eventually made their way into all MacBooks. I suspect that the fact the iPhone Air exists will lead to thinner, lighter, and better iPhone Pros in the future - even if Apple never makes another ultra thin phone.
So be happy Apple thinks a market exits for the iPhone Air. It’ll lead to better phones for everyone.
What a banger of a lineup Apple has with this year’s iPhones. The one that suits you is going to deliver what you are looking for. The discussions and debates and sheer mindshare of it all is proof of that. Can’t wait to see how the folding version and second generation Air throw further monkey wrenches into the equation. The iPhone certainly isn’t boring and predictable this year. Enjoy your upgrades, whichever path you take.
Which is precisely my point. This is typical of my usage and applies to me (and potentially others who are also at convenient charge locations through the day). So my point stands. May not apply to you, but I never said it did!
Literally what I've been saying the whole time, my man. As I said before, I do not care what devices others use, and I certainly don't go around telling them they're idiots for using them. Which is literally what half this thread is: people telling those who would buy the Air that they are wrong and gullible for wanting that. Enough.
This is super cringey. You really think highly of the Air when it has a terrible single speaker, a single camera, and a glossy frame that is a fingerprint magnet. It is not this holy device you make it out to be.
If someone wants the Air, they will buy it. If someone wants the Pro, they will buy it. They are two very different devices. This struggle you speak of is nonsense.
Good point. And actually, what makes this kind of funny is that the wealthiest person isn’t necessarily the one who bought the most expensive thing (a phone, a car, etc.), but the one who spent their money wisely. In my opinion, spending money just to prove something to others (especially if that money was earned through hard work) is unfortunate, and I feel bad for the people who feel the need to do that.
I think the key to understanding the iPhone Air is realizing that it’s not aimed at so-called tech nerds. iPhone Air buyers don’t weigh things that way when making their choise.
They probably don’t care that much about the specs, the focus is on the design.
More people are clocking on to the strange pathology of the diehard iPhone Air haters.
You love to see it.
Doubt it. You're thinking logically. But people are drawn to new, which the base 17 doesn't visually imply. Air does. Also, same people you're referring to don't use both cameras regularly (if ever) and likely won't even realize the difference, other than mild confusion that there isn't another camera ring on the back of their new iPhone Air.
It's really that simple.
The masses don't consciously or care to notice any of the BS this thread is about, it's only us and our over-educated and insular awareness of the redundant arguments we make. We want to know who's right and wrong about such a trivial thing and get to the bottom of why abc is better than xyz. They just want shiny new.
Pro is shiny new.
Air is shiny new.
Decisions are made so much easier when you're them (the average consumer) haha.
Interesting topic. When people talk about the “psychology of iPhone Air crash outs,” it usually connects to how users emotionally react when their devices freeze, crash, or suddenly shut down. Smartphones aren’t just tools anymore; they carry personal data, communication, and even identity. That’s why a crash or unexpected shutdown often triggers frustration, anxiety, or even panic.
I think there certainly is a somewhat understandable cognitive dissonance here. Apple made a very un-Apple-like move and increased the iPhone choice to three distinct models after years of relative same-old, same-old. Problem is, all three models are in many meaningful and useful ways fairly on par. Whereas in the past half decade or so this was definitely not the case. There was always defined delineation to the lineup. So now as most things in our culture this has suddenly become somewhat tribal and you've got your diehard "Pro" users backlashing against those who are in favor of this new and in many ways enticing option. Them realizing deep down they think the Air objectively looks more attractive than the Pro, which it does (my opinion). And that maybe that's all there ever was to their affinity for the Pro lineup to begin with...
Bottom line though, who cares. And no one will care about any of this in like a week.
I don't know what pop-psychoanalysis is (search results only left me more confused), but I think there's a ton of interesting individual and sociological psychology surrounding buying smartphones. I think we can all agree the same has been true of cars which for a long time were the central piece of technology in people's lives--both functionally and as a status symbol. Now it seems to me that the smartphone has supplanted the car as people's central piece of tech. So you can bet a lot of emotions, ego, and subconscious processes get mixed up in their purchase. Not for me though, of course.
Correct. That post you're quoting there was a dismissive appeal to ridicule (reductio ad ridiculum). Oops, there I go again...
Rather than addressing the argument, they reframed it as absurd and mocked it instead of countering its substance.
There's a hint of straw man in there too as it attempted to misrepresent the post as "pop-psychoanalysis" which, unfortunately for that poster, also makes it a variant of the ad hominem family (attacking the style or framing of an argument rather than its content).
In summary, you were spot on with your read of that post and kudos for engaging with the substance of the original hypothesis. 🫡
After the initial novelty of holding the phone in one’s hands to feel how might and thin it is then the reality of iOS sets in along with other adjustments from prior phone experiences.
Buy and keep the Air if you want as a shareholder it makes me happy that some have no issues settling for a neutered phone. Next year with USB3 and stereo speakers gets into this thing then these people just slide quietly into the dark and come out with some other profound argument to substantiate their existence.
Psychological for sure to these people the iPhone Air is the second coming or some bizarre narrative. 😝
I think the introduction of the Air just shows how clever Apple can be with marketing.
I’ve always had Pro Max phones and I pick my 17 Pro Max from Apple tomorrow. I’ve never considered another phone from Apple before but the introduction of the Air is making me think again. Over the years the iPhone Pro’s have become somewhat bloated.. The Pro’s and Pro Max’s are not stylish or elegant looking phones and every year they get heavier and chunkier. They’re even limiting the colour options now.
The Air is possibly the best looking phone that Apple has ever introduced. It looks fresh, modern and stylish and I have no doubt is a lot easier in the hand.
Yes, because of its size it has its limitations in terms of what it can do compared to the pro phones, but then how many of us are power users that actually need apple’s flagship phone. How many people need to be on their phones all day long. How many of us are keen photographers and know how to take a perfect photo.
As long as I take a picture and it looks half decent and as long as my phone will last me a whole day without having to recharge it then really that’s all I need.
The only thing that still sways me to the Pro Max rather than the air is the screen size. However, when I pick up my phone tomorrow from the Apple Store, I will take a very close look at the Air and compare the screen size with the Pro Max and if I think I can deal with the smaller screen size, I may consider swapping
I’ve always had Pro Max phones and I pick my 17 Pro Max from Apple tomorrow. I’ve never considered another phone from Apple before but the introduction of the Air is making me think again. Over the years the iPhone Pro’s have become somewhat bloated.. The Pro’s and Pro Max’s are not stylish or elegant looking phones and every year they get heavier and chunkier. They’re even limiting the colour options now.
The Air is possibly the best looking phone that Apple has ever introduced. It looks fresh, modern and stylish and I have no doubt is a lot easier in the hand.
Yes, because of its size it has its limitations in terms of what it can do compared to the pro phones, but then how many of us are power users that actually need apple’s flagship phone. How many people need to be on their phones all day long. How many of us are keen photographers and know how to take a perfect photo.
As long as I take a picture and it looks half decent and as long as my phone will last me a whole day without having to recharge it then really that’s all I need.
The only thing that still sways me to the Pro Max rather than the air is the screen size. However, when I pick up my phone tomorrow from the Apple Store, I will take a very close look at the Air and compare the screen size with the Pro Max and if I think I can deal with the smaller screen size, I may consider swapping
Nah some of these people gravitating to handheld devices being the object of desire either cannot drive or cannot afford a car or have accepted that renting some flat and being able to afford some status symbol tech leads to life satisfaction and accomplishment. 😝
Nah even Apple subtle admits that battery life blows even with its “all day” marketing that’s why it sells a MagSafe battery pack for it.
Plus AirPods to address the mono speaker in 2025 😝
By the time you get AirPods, battery pack and who knows what else to make this thing like what a mobile experience is then you might as well get the Pro Max for the display size or grab the 17 minus the telephoto lens while saving yourself a bit.
Illogical logic is what the OP is using but hey more revenue for me. 😝
Much rather go with a fold tbh as it merges a phone and tablet experience. Thinner and Lighter is a niche.
The Air is about the same size as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung's ultra thin model.
Sales of the S25 Edge have been poor and Samsung have seriously reduced production whereas the range in general has done very well.
A lot of people have expressed an interest in the Air- 40%
Well I have too. This is the problem with polling, it's really interesting but I won't buy one and I think that's what we are going to find. It too much of a compromise for the price.
It's a curiosity which only really has the advantage of looking better than Apple's current Pro and Max phones which are particularly ugly, but when it gets down to it, people will just take the base model 17 and it will flop.
Sales of the S25 Edge have been poor and Samsung have seriously reduced production whereas the range in general has done very well.
A lot of people have expressed an interest in the Air- 40%
Well I have too. This is the problem with polling, it's really interesting but I won't buy one and I think that's what we are going to find. It too much of a compromise for the price.
It's a curiosity which only really has the advantage of looking better than Apple's current Pro and Max phones which are particularly ugly, but when it gets down to it, people will just take the base model 17 and it will flop.
More like are unable to make a logical comparison who tout having the need for social acceptance. OP probably turned to AI to draft some of this dribble.