The iPhone Air was one of the most highly anticipated new Apple devices of the year. It is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever created by Apple, powered by the latest A19 Pro chip that offers performance specs similar to the iPhone 17. The iPhone Air is undeniably a premium product, featuring a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield 2 glass on both the front and rear, similar to the iPhone 17 Pro. For most casual users, the iPhone Air fulfills all their needs with minimal complaints. It handles everyday tasks such as calls, messages, browsing, and streaming with ease. Even demanding apps and games run smoothly on this device. With its fresh design, lightweight feel, and maximum portability, the iPhone Air offers a delightful user experience. The 6.5-inch screen is slightly larger than the 6.3-inch displays of the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, placing it between those models and the flagship 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max. Its sleek design and strong performance make it a more exciting upgrade compared to a new iPhone 17. Despite Apple's technological achievements, the iPhone Air has faced criticism. Starting at $999, the Air comes with a $200 premium over the iPhone 17 and is only $100 cheaper than the iPhone 17 Pro. The primary criticisms of the iPhone Air include a single rear camera, average battery life, and reports of performance throttling. It also features a single speaker located in the earpiece at the top of the device and lacks wired video output, a feature that many long-time iPhone users would typically expect. Both the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro boast dual speakers for superior sound quality in stereo, along with more versatile camera systems. They also support connection to external monitors or TVs, a feature present in almost every iPhone released in the past 14 years. The iPhone Air seems to focus more on the "wow factor" to entice consumers. Recent reports suggest that iPhone Air owners face more significant losses in terms of depreciation compared to other iPhone 17 models. SellCell data shows that the iPhone Air depreciates by as much as 47.7% of its value within 10 weeks, almost 10% more than other iPhone 17 models. While the value of other models stabilizes around week 10, the iPhone Air continues to depreciate. The drawbacks of the iPhone Air undoubtedly impact its resale value. For budget-conscious consumers who rely on trading in their current iPhones to offset upgrade costs, this depreciation trend is a crucial consideration. Despite recent reports, Apple is unlikely to give up on the iPhone Air. Perhaps the second-generation model will win over more consumers in the future. However, until the specifications align with the price tag, early adopters may find the premium cost to be higher than anticipated both at purchase and resale.
