The latest updates regarding the iPhone 17 Air indicate that this anticipated ultra-thin model could be as slim as 6mm, potentially making it the thinnest iPhone yet.
Though achieving such a thin design may be ambitious, and we will reserve our judgment until substantiated by evidence, there seems to be a clearer picture of the market that Apple aims to target with this device…
Ironically, Apple’s most expensive model next year may find itself overlapping significantly with the appeal of its least expensive model.
The iPhone SE
The original iPhone SE carved out a unique niche within the iPhone lineup, with Apple emphasizing affordability, making it an accessible entry point into the iPhone ecosystem.
However, many who opted for the SE did so not purely for its cost, but due to its compact nature and timeless design. Personally, I found myself ‘downgrading’ from an iPhone 6S to the SE for those very reasons.
The SE has also attracted those who desire an iPhone to be part of the Apple ecosystem while prioritizing simplicity over high-end features, especially among users who are less concerned with advanced camera performance.
Yes, they want to take photos, but they prefer a straightforward point-and-shoot experience. They aren’t looking to choose lenses or delve into settings; they simply want to snap a photo with ease.
The next iteration of the iPhone SE is anticipated to feature substantial enhancements, such as removing the Home button in favor of a nearly all-screen design akin to other iPhone models. It will also transition from Lightning to USB-C and incorporate Apple Intelligence.
Despite these upgrades, we still expect it to retain a single-camera setup.
The iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air could emerge as the most premium option in the lineup, commanding a price point higher than even the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Yet, in a surprising twist, it is projected to share one feature with the most budget-friendly iPhone: a single camera.
Apple appears to be targeting a market that values aesthetics over functionality with this upcoming release. It is aimed at consumers who seek the elegance and prestige of owning the sleekest iPhone available, prepared to pay a premium to obtain it.
From my standpoint, sacrificing camera capabilities for the sake of a slimmer profile is a poor exchange. The photographic enhancements are typically my primary motivation for upgrading each year.
However, the target audience for the iPhone 17 Air may view a single-camera arrangement as a benefit. Firstly, it replaces the visually overwhelming triple-lens camera module with a more streamlined single lens, potentially centered rather than offset. Secondly, it simplifies the user experience—no decisions to make, just point and shoot.
Consequently, next year’s most affordable and priciest iPhone models might appeal to similar demographics for akin reasons.
Render: Michael Bower/DMN
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