Recently, The Wall Street Journal disclosed that the iPhone 17 Air will be priced lower than the iPhone Pro series, challenging previous assumptions that this sleek new model would surpass the iPhone Pro Max in cost. This makes the phone’s appeal more pronounced than ever.
New pricing rumors
According to a latest report from The Wall Street Journal, here’s what they shared about the anticipated iPhone 17 Air:
Apple is preparing to launch a thinner iPhone starting next year, with a profile measuring less than the current 8-millimeter designs, as stated by sources acquainted with the company’s plans. The new model aims to be more affordable than the Pro versions, featuring a streamlined camera system to cut costs.
This information contradicts earlier reports. In May, The Information noted the following details about the device:
The slimmer iPhone could arrive alongside the iPhone 17, expected for a September 2025 launch, as suggested by three industry insiders and two others familiar with the initiative. They indicated it might be priced higher than Apple’s current top model, the iPhone Pro Max, which starts at $1,200.
Why this matters
The notion of it being pricier than the iPhone Pro Max suggests an entry price starting at $1199, maybe reaching as high as $1299. For a slimmer phone with fewer features, reduced battery life, and just one camera, this seemed unappealing. Though it would have been aesthetically pleasing and potentially set a precedent for future thinner iPhones, it wouldn’t have been a sensible purchase.
Recently, we learned that the iPhone 17 Air may not include a second speaker, relying solely on the earpiece for audio. With numerous compromises, paying a significant premium would not have been justified.
However, if the latest reports hold true, we now anticipate a price point that’s lower than the Pro models. The specific details remain uncertain, as there might be a pricing adjustment for the iPhone 17 Pro, but the iPhone 17 Air is projected to be under $1000. If the Pro model retains its current pricing, the Air could potentially debut at around $899, mirroring the iPhone 16 Plus’s cost.
This shift drastically alters the value proposition, making the new model up to $400 less expensive than initially speculated.
Conclusion
While you might sacrifice battery performance and a secondary camera compared to the iPhone 16 Plus, and lose a second speaker as well, you would be acquiring a sleek and shiny ultra-thin iPhone at the same price as last year’s model. Apple likely sees this as a significant draw. This will mark a notable aesthetic transition for iPhones in several years.
Additionally, unlike the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, the base iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, enhancing their appeal for tech enthusiasts.
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