iPhone Air What changes in iPhone Air 2 will make you upgrade from Air 1?

[subjonas]

This question is for current Air owners. I've already seen many threads about what non-Air owners want changed in the Air before they would switch to it. Rather, I'm curious what people who have already bought into the Air would want from the Air 2 to make it worth trading up.

For me, the only two things I miss in any significance are the telephoto lens and the USBC DisplayPort (to use with my XR glasses mostly for video while traveling). If either or both of those can be added without a noticeable change in form factor (weight or thickness), and without significantly taking away from anything else like battery life, then I would upgrade. But I'm skeptical that a telephoto lens can be added without a noticeable change in the form factor, so my main hope is for DisplayPort to be added. But if neither are added, then I'll still be fine using my Air 1 indefinitely. I'm overall much happier with it than I've been with any other phone I've had in recent years.

 

[MarkX]

If anything I'd like a telephoto lens! Although the battery lasts me enough for a day I wouldn't say no to a little more headroom but not if that meant making the device thicker or heavier. Maybe they'll decide to use silicon carbon batteries!

I've never had a problem with regular phones and their weight etc but after months with the Air I've come to appreciate and love it's form factor. It now tops my list of favourite iPhone - EVER! Even with its supposed shortcomings.

 

[Macdctr]

I will be getting the 1TB Air2 when it comes out irregardless of what improvements however with that said, having the Ultra Wide camera, improved battery, possibly improved cellular chip as well as staying with the A20 Pro/12 GB will make it a nice upgrade over the current Air.

I just wish that the Air2 would also have the increased MagSafe charging capability, the USB-C 3.0 and stereo speaker setup that the Pro series will have but from what I have seen regarding the Air2 so far, it won’t have this.

 

[DaveS86]

I’m tempted if it comes with 2 camera’s, better battery life and 2 speakers. Pretty little device but don’t want to compromise too heavily on a 17PM

 

[Macdctr]

I’m tempted if it comes with 2 camera’s, better battery life and 2 speakers. Pretty little device but don’t want to compromise too heavily on a 17PM

Dave, I don’t think the Air 2 will come with stereo speakers like the Pro series iPhone but it will have improved battery life over the current Air (not sure by how much) and it will include a second camera (a 48 megapixel Ultra Wide camera). That much I am sure based on leaks from several different sources reporting what is coming with the Air 2.

The Air 2 will have an improved facetime camera and will match the 18 Pro series just like the current Air and 17 matching the 17 Pro series facetime camera.

Since I already have the Air, when the Air 2 comes out next Spring, I will be getting the 1TB version in a dark color. I really like the thin and light form factor of the Air. To me the next gen Air will still be a solid improvement even without the stereo speakers or USB-C 3.0 port.

EDIT: I also expect to see the Air 2 with the A20 Pro processor and 12GB RAM.

 

[stiligFox]

Two cameras is my only request - if they do that, I’ll be ready to plunk my money down!

 

[James6s]

I have the current Air and I really love and enjoy using this gorgeous bit of hardware.

My worry is if Apple start adding many more things to the Air 2 like a second camera, bigger battery capacity, another speaker etc then it’s going to push the weight up! But these are what’s needed to see a bigger uptake with the Air.

I love the weight and slim form factor of the current Air and wouldn’t like to see it jump up (too much)… it’s a tough one.

 

[Macdctr]

I have the current Air and I really love and enjoy using this gorgeous bit of hardware.

My worry is if Apple start adding many more things to the Air 2 like a second camera, bigger battery capacity, another speaker etc then it’s going to push the weight up! But these are what’s needed to see a bigger uptake with the Air.

I love the weight and slim form factor of the current Air and wouldn’t like to see it jump up (too much)… it’s a tough one.

It will be interesting to see both my Air and the Air 2 side by side when I get mine.

 

[minimo3]

This is MR: the posts will be I want 16GB RAM, 2TB storage, 5000mAh battery, 10x telephoto, $599 and be the same size as the current Air

 

[MarkX]

I have the current Air and I really love and enjoy using this gorgeous bit of hardware.

My worry is if Apple start adding many more things to the Air 2 like a second camera, bigger battery capacity, another speaker etc then it’s going to push the weight up! But these are what’s needed to see a bigger uptake with the Air.

I love the weight and slim form factor of the current Air and wouldn’t like to see it jump up (too much)… it’s a tough one.

My sentiments exactly!

 

[1rottenapple]

8x telephoto zoom. BUT i will wait a few months to buy it b/c i'm sure the prices will crash. I bought my air new d/t a trip and my mini 13 crapping out battery wise. And I got annoyed now the prices on eBay are 1/2.
8x zoom with be great. I often hike and I always think, "a zoom lens would be great". But I am not willing to carry a heavy and thick phone so I live with the air's compromises.

Also notice I didn't say battery life. It's actually great for what I use my phone for.

 

[1rottenapple]

Two cameras is my only request - if they do that, I’ll be ready to plunk my money down!

ok two camera but which one?

I don't find wide angle beneficial but I need zoom for when I hike and take nature pics.

 

[stiligFox]

ok two camera but which one?

I don't find wide angle beneficial but I need zoom for when I hike and take nature pics.

That’s my thought as well. I do use the 0.5x camera occasionally on my Pro, but I use the 5x all the time - so I’d have to pick the zoom camera.

 

[BigMcGuire]

That’s my thought as well. I do use the 0.5x camera occasionally on my Pro, but I use the 5x all the time - so I’d have to pick the zoom camera.

Was going to say, I am also in the same camp. 5x camera please - but we know it'll be the wide angle one. That 5x is sure useful when following my wife who loves birding around 😛

 

[1rottenapple]

.5 is pretty lame. But I assume 5x or 8x will cost more. Maybe that’s why Apple sticks to .5 in the past.

 

[James6s]

Adding a second camera may take up more space than they’d like? Maybe a bigger sensor and mp count. Possibly the debut of a rumoured 200mp camera for iPhone allowing for much better optical quality zoom, and longer digital zoom using AI imaging pipeline. Wishful thinking 😄

 

[maerz001]

.5 is pretty lame. But I assume 5x or 8x will cost more. Maybe that’s why Apple sticks to .5 in the past.

Not only does it cost more. The physical size of the lense system is much bigger. Since the 15 pro max they have for the tele a sideway reflecting prisma to get the necessary focal length

 

[SR Steve]

ok two camera but which one?

I don't find wide angle beneficial but I need zoom for when I hike and take nature pics.

The additional cameras are really the only features that I miss coming from a 15PM, the telephoto more than the wide angle. A second speaker would be nice but not really a necessity for me. There's no way Apple would not upgrade battery performance on an improved second model, but I always go at least 2 days between charges on my Air @ an 80% limit so whatever Apple includes would be acceptable.

I've been pleasantly surprised at how little I've sacrificed compared to the increased benefits of a lighter and more elegant device. If Apple hadn't introduced the Air I would still be using my trusty Titanium 15PM, but I can't see myself going back to those aluminum bricks again.

 

[geta]

Offering a smaller size option and eliminate the rear camera hump will be a good start.

 

[eddie_ducking]

TBH, not sure they can upgrade it in such a manner as to tempt me to upgrade on launch day (unlike the v1 that did). I’m perfectly happy with the v1 as is. A tele camera would be nice, but not if it changes the dimensions (or weight) and they won’t add one anyway, it’ll be a wide-angle, which serves no purpose to me.

A full spec USB-C port would also be nice, but it wouldn’t cause me to rush out and get one on day one.

If I do get a v2, it’ll be 8-10 months after launch and then only cause the rumours are the best part of confirmed that the line is to be discontinued and I want one to last for longer than the v1 will (you know, updates and the like) … plus, there’ll probably be hefty discounts on it by then

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Sub-6" screen. Ideally less than 68mm in width if we want to be specific.

 

[Zwhaler]

I wish the screen was the same size as the base iPhone or slightly smaller. The Air size screen is a little awkward because it’s slightly too big for most one-handed use but doesn’t benefit from being a truly larger screen like the Max. Also I’d like the price to come down by $100 and maybe add a second speaker and telephoto camera (or maybe the ultrawide) without gaining any weight. That would be ideal.

 

[Macdctr]

I wish the screen was the same size as the base iPhone or slightly smaller. The Air size screen is a little awkward because it’s slightly too big for most one-handed use but doesn’t benefit from being a truly larger screen like the Max.

I think the Air’s screen size was also driven by existing battery technology used when Apple started production of this device. A trade off on how long the device could be used before shutting off due to lack of charge since Apple has not yet begun using higher capacity silicone carbon batteries.

I too would love seeing a device as thin and light as the Air but being in a much smaller screen size/foot print that makes one handed operations easy like it was when the 12 mini/13 mini were available for sale. One can only wish . . .

 

[James6s]

Personally I think the Air’s 6.5” screen perfect and wouldn’t want a smaller size.

Sure it’s not a true one handed device, but you have a stunning reasonably large display for viewing your content without the size and weight of a Pro Max. It’s light enough to hold in one hand resting on your little finger without causing any pain or fatigue and some one handed operations are possible.

If they start using silicone carbon battery tech then the capacity could go over 4000mAh with the Air 2.