Apple’s “Can’t Decide” video plateaus at 79 million views.
I was tracking the view count sporadically the past 2 months:
11/10- 50 million
11/12- 52 million
11/13- 53 million
11/16 - 57 million
11/23 - 64 million
11/28 - 67 million
12/1 - 70 million
12/2 - 71 million
12/4 - 72 million
12/6 - 74 million
12/7 - 75 million
12/14 - 79 million
Still at 79 million on 1/8/26.
I was tracking the view count sporadically the past 2 months:
11/10- 50 million
11/12- 52 million
11/13- 53 million
11/16 - 57 million
11/23 - 64 million
11/28 - 67 million
12/1 - 70 million
12/2 - 71 million
12/4 - 72 million
12/6 - 74 million
12/7 - 75 million
12/14 - 79 million
Still at 79 million on 1/8/26.
iPhone Pocket vanishes from apple.com as if it never existed.
Clicking the link from their newsroom release article leads to this screen. No more grayed out sold out page like the Hikawa Phone Grip and Stand.
Clicking the link from their newsroom release article leads to this screen. No more grayed out sold out page like the Hikawa Phone Grip and Stand.
The story behind the iPhone 4.
One of the greatest tech stories of our time. I didn’t appreciate it as much at the time because I was an Android fanboy, but this was the first device that convinced me to go iPhone. Also in podcast form.
One of the greatest tech stories of our time. I didn’t appreciate it as much at the time because I was an Android fanboy, but this was the first device that convinced me to go iPhone. Also in podcast form.
Apple’s new foldable iPhone needs to nail two key features in order to make it a success.
Those two features are:
Foldable display durability.
Amazing, intuitive software experience.
I’m not worried about the hinge durability since Apple has been making hinges for years and have some of the best hardware in the market. The main concern is with the foldable display.
Apple did innovate hard with Ceramic Shield 2, being 3x better at scratch resistance, and is the only phone with non-existent scratches on a level 6 to barely scratching at a level 7 on mohs scale of hardness. Every other mainstream and flagship phone scratches at a level 6 with deeper grooves at a level 7. I can’t imagine Apple will release a fragile inner display with a crease requiring a plastic screen protector prone to fingernail scratches. This is the harsh reality is even after 7 hardware iterations of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. Impressive and thin, but with an achilles heel.
Apple waits for technology to be set to a standard that meets their ethos before jumping in. It would be spitting in the face of Steve Jobs if they released a device with a plastic screen protector after he famously ordered a massive shift from plastic to glass in iPhone production the minute he noticed scratches on the display. Hopefully Apple’s continued investment in Corning will mitigate this issue and they have something up their sleeve that will wow us.
I’m also worried about the software experience, especially if we have the iPad to judge by. Having too many options for window layouts and multitasking would be cumbersome on a smaller screen, and hopefully Apple takes a play out of their playbook to make the software fun, simple, and intuitive. When iPhone X was released, it was a huge shift in usability with the removal of the Home Button, but it was once again fun, simple, and intuitive. Dynamic Island was also a new innovation at a smaller scale and followed the playbook, being a useful tool that I miss every time I go back to a notched iPhone.
Now what is my definition of success in this specific case? It’s not record sales numbers, but the ability to execute and make an experience that changes the game. I consider iPhone Air to be a success, because it shows you can make a durable and thin device that lasts all day at scale, something not possible a few years ago. A foldable phone doesn’t have to deliver on all technological fronts with the best cameras and the best battery life, but it needs to be durable like a regular phone, and it needs to have a software experience that makes sense and would make people jump at the opportunity.
Those two features are:
Foldable display durability.
Amazing, intuitive software experience.
I’m not worried about the hinge durability since Apple has been making hinges for years and have some of the best hardware in the market. The main concern is with the foldable display.
Apple did innovate hard with Ceramic Shield 2, being 3x better at scratch resistance, and is the only phone with non-existent scratches on a level 6 to barely scratching at a level 7 on mohs scale of hardness. Every other mainstream and flagship phone scratches at a level 6 with deeper grooves at a level 7. I can’t imagine Apple will release a fragile inner display with a crease requiring a plastic screen protector prone to fingernail scratches. This is the harsh reality is even after 7 hardware iterations of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. Impressive and thin, but with an achilles heel.
Apple waits for technology to be set to a standard that meets their ethos before jumping in. It would be spitting in the face of Steve Jobs if they released a device with a plastic screen protector after he famously ordered a massive shift from plastic to glass in iPhone production the minute he noticed scratches on the display. Hopefully Apple’s continued investment in Corning will mitigate this issue and they have something up their sleeve that will wow us.
I’m also worried about the software experience, especially if we have the iPad to judge by. Having too many options for window layouts and multitasking would be cumbersome on a smaller screen, and hopefully Apple takes a play out of their playbook to make the software fun, simple, and intuitive. When iPhone X was released, it was a huge shift in usability with the removal of the Home Button, but it was once again fun, simple, and intuitive. Dynamic Island was also a new innovation at a smaller scale and followed the playbook, being a useful tool that I miss every time I go back to a notched iPhone.
Now what is my definition of success in this specific case? It’s not record sales numbers, but the ability to execute and make an experience that changes the game. I consider iPhone Air to be a success, because it shows you can make a durable and thin device that lasts all day at scale, something not possible a few years ago. A foldable phone doesn’t have to deliver on all technological fronts with the best cameras and the best battery life, but it needs to be durable like a regular phone, and it needs to have a software experience that makes sense and would make people jump at the opportunity.
Apple’s “Can’t Decide” video is officially its most popular video on YouTube.
It’s at 79 million views just like the previous number one video, but it’s ranked above the “Swiped Mac - Apple at Work” video, confirming a higher view count. Most impressively is the speed at which it reached 79 million.
The “Swiped Mac” video took 2 years to get to 79 million. Apple’s “Can’t Decide” video? 3 months. Of course this makes sense since one is just a comical ad while the iPhone buying guide is much more mainstream and informative. It would be a no-brainer for Apple to do this kind of video for each major iPhone release cycle.
I have a bittersweet feeling about this video’s popularity considering the thumbnail image really is a self-fulfilling prophecy in its own right:
iPhone 17 Pro is shown front and center, and is the most popular variant from both enthusiasts and conscious buyers.
iPhone 17 isn’t shown at all, but is always the sleeper hit that doesn’t need excessive marketing, and is the obvious de facto upgrade for most, “I’ll use my phone till the wheels fall off,” kind of buyer.
iPhone Air? You can barely see it which is part of the marketing ploy, but the, “you can barely see it” mantra also applies to sales and spottings in the wild. It figuratively and literally disappeared from mainstream consumption with only die hard fans taking the plunge.
Most people won’t see the thumbnail in full resolution, but as a low-res image making the disappearing iPhone Air illusion all the more realistic.
It’s at 79 million views just like the previous number one video, but it’s ranked above the “Swiped Mac - Apple at Work” video, confirming a higher view count. Most impressively is the speed at which it reached 79 million.
The “Swiped Mac” video took 2 years to get to 79 million. Apple’s “Can’t Decide” video? 3 months. Of course this makes sense since one is just a comical ad while the iPhone buying guide is much more mainstream and informative. It would be a no-brainer for Apple to do this kind of video for each major iPhone release cycle.
I have a bittersweet feeling about this video’s popularity considering the thumbnail image really is a self-fulfilling prophecy in its own right:
iPhone 17 Pro is shown front and center, and is the most popular variant from both enthusiasts and conscious buyers.
iPhone 17 isn’t shown at all, but is always the sleeper hit that doesn’t need excessive marketing, and is the obvious de facto upgrade for most, “I’ll use my phone till the wheels fall off,” kind of buyer.
iPhone Air? You can barely see it which is part of the marketing ploy, but the, “you can barely see it” mantra also applies to sales and spottings in the wild. It figuratively and literally disappeared from mainstream consumption with only die hard fans taking the plunge.
Most people won’t see the thumbnail in full resolution, but as a low-res image making the disappearing iPhone Air illusion all the more realistic.
Surveillance through smartphones.
Ben Lovejoy from 9to5Mac:
The Indian government has ordered Apple and other smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a state-owned “security” app on all phones before they are sold to users.
Adding fuel to the privacy fire, the government is also requiring smartphone makers to ensure that the app cannot be removed by users …
Reuters reports that those who already own iPhones won’t escape either: Apple and others are also being instructed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to push the app to existing phones via a software update. […]
Apple is likely to push back, hoping to persuade the government to agree to a less extreme policy like offering the app to users during setup and allowing wording that encourages them to install it.
However, ultimately, if negotiations are unsuccessful, it will have to comply with the law. Apple has already been forced to compromise user privacy in China by storing iCloud data on servers owned by a company directly linked to the Chinese government. Apple has also removed VPN and foreign news apps from its Chinese App Store when instructed to do so.
As with China, Apple is in a double-bind here as India is not only a growing market for the company’s products, but also an increasingly important manufacturing centre. Withdrawing from that market in order to uphold its values is not a practical option.
Saw this news story the same day I watched the Mrwhosetheboss’s North Korea video, showing the extreme control North Korea has over their citizens.
Something tells me that even though most world leaders condemn North Korea, they secretly would like to have just as much control over the people.
Ben Lovejoy from 9to5Mac:
The Indian government has ordered Apple and other smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a state-owned “security” app on all phones before they are sold to users.
Adding fuel to the privacy fire, the government is also requiring smartphone makers to ensure that the app cannot be removed by users …
Reuters reports that those who already own iPhones won’t escape either: Apple and others are also being instructed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to push the app to existing phones via a software update. […]
Apple is likely to push back, hoping to persuade the government to agree to a less extreme policy like offering the app to users during setup and allowing wording that encourages them to install it.
However, ultimately, if negotiations are unsuccessful, it will have to comply with the law. Apple has already been forced to compromise user privacy in China by storing iCloud data on servers owned by a company directly linked to the Chinese government. Apple has also removed VPN and foreign news apps from its Chinese App Store when instructed to do so.
As with China, Apple is in a double-bind here as India is not only a growing market for the company’s products, but also an increasingly important manufacturing centre. Withdrawing from that market in order to uphold its values is not a practical option.
Saw this news story the same day I watched the Mrwhosetheboss’s North Korea video, showing the extreme control North Korea has over their citizens.
Something tells me that even though most world leaders condemn North Korea, they secretly would like to have just as much control over the people.
iPhone Pocket hands on.
I was able to snag a Peacock colored iPhone Pocket last weekend at the Apple SoHo store. It’s funny because I really wasn’t interested in getting one, but then the lore of its rarity got to me. 📓
I was able to snag a Peacock colored iPhone Pocket last weekend at the Apple SoHo store. It’s funny because I really wasn’t interested in getting one, but then the lore of its rarity got to me. I also wanted one for practical reasons since I always carry a spare iPhone with me when traveling, and the iPhone Pocket would be perfect to keep it stored and protected. To wear it as a fashion piece was never the goal, but for those who wear purses, handbags, etc., it is a nice accessory to accent your bag and allows for more practicality.
The materials are quite premium with no visible split threads or stitches. Even when you invert the Pocket, there are no end seams anywhere. You could call it a unibody piece of cloth with no beginning or end. Very stretchy, premium, and durable. Apple describes it as a “singular 3D-knitted construction,” and now I understand.
Wallpaper from BasicAppleGuy
The process of inserting your phone inside the pocket is a bit tricky at first when trying to separate the tight pleats, but once it’s in there, it is protected well. The ribbed structure is spongy and can absorb minor shocks. Of course if you have a case you’ll be doubly protected. It’s thick, high quality, and would require a lot of force for a phone to fall out due to a tear.
People might scoff at the $149 price tag for the short size (as shown above) or $229 for the long size, but it is compatible with practically every modern iPhone that is in use today and in the future, along with other small items like AirPods, battery banks, wallets, lip balm, etc. I wouldn’t be surprised if people bought it to hold their non-iPhone devices since it really is about the look and design. All they would have to do is make sure the ISSEY MIYAKE label is front and center instead of iPhone Pocket.
For the non-iPhoners, you can stick this label outward.
On the topic of price, Apple did release a leather sleeve in 2020 with the iPhone 12 lineup, and those were only compatible with one single device. The leather sleeve for iPhone 12 was $129, and didn’t sell well. You can still buy it on Amazon today, 5 years later, for as low as $10. iPhone Pocket? Sold out everywhere, and compatible for years to come.
Even when inverted, it looks great and has a crocodile-pattern look, but it only keeps its form factor this way when you put an iPhone inside.
Left to right: empty iPhone Pocket, with an iPhone placed inside, and closeup of the 3D pleats with iPhone inside.
Most fashion clothing and accessories are illogical and luxury purchases, as you can get similar quality and design for a lot cheaper. iPhone Pocket is along those lines, but slightly more justifiable since it does provide real function without looking ridiculous.
Original iPhone SE is obsolete.
Joe Rossignol from MacRumors:
Apple today added the first-generation iPhone SE to its obsolete products list, meaning the device is no longer eligible for repairs, battery replacements, or any other service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers worldwide.
Based on the chassis of the iPhone 5 and 5S, the original SE was the last phone to have what is considered by many to be the best form factor, and still the best dual-tone colored iPhone. The 17 Pro is nice, but still a step back since the dual-tone is more a byproduct of aluminum and glass not portraying color the same way.
The iPhone SE still looks ultra modern today, and damn those volume buttons need to come back.
Joe Rossignol from MacRumors:
Apple today added the first-generation iPhone SE to its obsolete products list, meaning the device is no longer eligible for repairs, battery replacements, or any other service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers worldwide.
Based on the chassis of the iPhone 5 and 5S, the original SE was the last phone to have what is considered by many to be the best form factor, and still the best dual-tone colored iPhone. The 17 Pro is nice, but still a step back since the dual-tone is more a byproduct of aluminum and glass not portraying color the same way.
The iPhone SE still looks ultra modern today, and damn those volume buttons need to come back.
A household of weird iPhones.
This wasn’t a goal I was trying to achieve, but you can’t say we didn’t try to save the “weird iPhones.”
Heck I even bought an iPhone SE 3rd gen right before it was discontinued because it was the last of its kind, a historic end to one of the greatest devices ever to exist.
The trend will continue over the next few years, I can assure you, if Apple keeps surprising us with new form factors.
The current lineup of iPhones in our house:
iPhone SE 2nd gen (kids phone)
iPhone 16 Plus (the wife)
iPhone Air (yours truly)
iPhone 13 mini (my backup phone)
This wasn’t a goal I was trying to achieve, but you can’t say we didn’t try to save the “weird iPhones.”
Heck I even bought an iPhone SE 3rd gen right before it was discontinued because it was the last of its kind, a historic end to one of the greatest devices ever to exist.
The trend will continue over the next few years, I can assure you, if Apple keeps surprising us with new form factors.
The current lineup of iPhones in our house:
iPhone SE 2nd gen (kids phone)
iPhone 16 Plus (the wife)
iPhone Air (yours truly)
iPhone 13 mini (my backup phone)
Salacious iPhone Pocket pose.
When Apple released the iPhone Pocket, I had a dream:
One change I would suggest to Apple - swap out the iPhone 17 in this provocative photo to the iPhone Air.
Thinner and sexier.
Well, dreams do come true. 📓
When Apple released the iPhone Pocket, I had a dream:
One change I would suggest to Apple - swap out the iPhone 17 in this provocative photo to the iPhone Air.
Thinner and sexier.
Well, dreams do come true.
Apple’s high quality, high budget model (left), my low budget version (right).
It’s not a perfect one-to-one copy, but it still riles me up 😅. Not sure how Apple got the flap to float, but maybe their iPhone Pocket was sprayed stiff with some sort of hair spray, or it had tungsten inserts a la Vision Pro? My low-budget affair involved a basic phone stand to prop the phone, and a Q-tip to hold the flap in place.
That’s a clean Q-tip by the way.
Will Apple restock the iPhone Pocket?
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released.
iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. It quickly sold out in the United States, but some colors and size options were still available in South Korea and a few other countries until the past few days. [..,]
Given it is a limited-edition accessory, it is unclear if there will ever be additional inventory of the iPhone Pocket now that it is fully sold out worldwide.
I’m glad I snagged one just in time, but I’m confident more will be produced. If you look at the product page, it mentions “Special Edition” for iPhone Pocket, and “Limited Edition” for the Hikawa Phone Grip and Stand. Special Edition doesn’t necessarily mean limited, and nowhere in the press release does it say limited production.
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released.
iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. It quickly sold out in the United States, but some colors and size options were still available in South Korea and a few other countries until the past few days. [..,]
Given it is a limited-edition accessory, it is unclear if there will ever be additional inventory of the iPhone Pocket now that it is fully sold out worldwide.
I’m glad I snagged one just in time, but I’m confident more will be produced. If you look at the product page, it mentions “Special Edition” for iPhone Pocket, and “Limited Edition” for the Hikawa Phone Grip and Stand. Special Edition doesn’t necessarily mean limited, and nowhere in the press release does it say limited production.
Putting an iPhone 17 Pro under a microscope.
If you love macro photography and videography, this one’s for you. Also informative for those who didn’t know it is normal to have some extremely tiny dust inside the camera lenses because you can’t get a perfect dust-free enclosure.
If you love macro photography and videography, this one’s for you. Also informative for those who didn’t know it is normal to have some extremely tiny dust inside the camera lenses because you can’t get a perfect dust-free enclosure.
Apple doesn’t restock the iPhone Pocket, but releases the limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand.
Not what we were expecting on Friday, but it’s nice to see these partnerships from Apple with other, lesser known companies.
The Product overview from Apple:
The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is a MagSafe compatible adaptive accessory for iPhone designed by Bailey Hikawa to celebrate the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple. Designed with direct input from individuals with disabilities affecting muscle strength, dexterity, and hand control, this ergonomic grip was designed with accessibility in mind from the ground up. The grip uses magnets to securely snap onto any iPhone with MagSafe, can be removed with ease, and doubles as a stand to support iPhone at two different viewing angles, both vertically and horizontally. Inspired by modern sculpture, each Hikawa product is an art object unto itself. The limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is available in two colors, a bold, high-visibility Chartreuse and recycled Crater, exclusive to Apple.
Of course it’s already sold out, but you can still pre-order additional colors and get it directly from the Bailey Hikawa website. Not egregious at $69.95, but it looks to be even more low stock than iPhone Pocket.
P.S. It works with iPhone mini, but without a case.
Not what we were expecting on Friday, but it’s nice to see these partnerships from Apple with other, lesser known companies.
The Product overview from Apple:
The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is a MagSafe compatible adaptive accessory for iPhone designed by Bailey Hikawa to celebrate the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple. Designed with direct input from individuals with disabilities affecting muscle strength, dexterity, and hand control, this ergonomic grip was designed with accessibility in mind from the ground up. The grip uses magnets to securely snap onto any iPhone with MagSafe, can be removed with ease, and doubles as a stand to support iPhone at two different viewing angles, both vertically and horizontally. Inspired by modern sculpture, each Hikawa product is an art object unto itself. The limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is available in two colors, a bold, high-visibility Chartreuse and recycled Crater, exclusive to Apple.
Of course it’s already sold out, but you can still pre-order additional colors and get it directly from the Bailey Hikawa website. Not egregious at $69.95, but it looks to be even more low stock than iPhone Pocket.
P.S. It works with iPhone mini, but without a case.
iPhone Pocket is still sold out, after launching a week ago.
Will we get another opportunity to get this extremely limited product? We can only hope that Apple drops some more stock today?
Will we get another opportunity to get this extremely limited product? We can only hope that Apple drops some more stock today?
BasicAppleGuy releases his famous iPhone 17 Pro internal wallpapers.
A no-brainer purchase for iPhone 17 Pro users. He leaves a bit of a cliffhanger for iPhone 17 and Air users:
Right now, the plan is to start work on the iPhone Air internals wallpaper, aiming for an early December 2025 release. I’m still on the fence about doing one for the iPhone 17—it’s tough to know if the time and effort will really pay off. Still weighing my options…
Sounds like good news for iPhone Air users, but is that really the best option? Passion wise it is, but realistically, iPhone 17 sales are higher, meaning higher demand (and purchases) for a wallpaper set. Then again, iPhone Air users have extra cash to spend and are more likely to be enthusiasts, so is that the better option? It is quite the pickle.
For all you Pro users, go ahead and buy the 17 Pro wallpapers.
A no-brainer purchase for iPhone 17 Pro users. He leaves a bit of a cliffhanger for iPhone 17 and Air users:
Right now, the plan is to start work on the iPhone Air internals wallpaper, aiming for an early December 2025 release. I’m still on the fence about doing one for the iPhone 17—it’s tough to know if the time and effort will really pay off. Still weighing my options…
Sounds like good news for iPhone Air users, but is that really the best option? Passion wise it is, but realistically, iPhone 17 sales are higher, meaning higher demand (and purchases) for a wallpaper set. Then again, iPhone Air users have extra cash to spend and are more likely to be enthusiasts, so is that the better option? It is quite the pickle.
For all you Pro users, go ahead and buy the 17 Pro wallpapers.
Apple releases iPhone Pocket.
I thought this was a prank on X when I first saw it. If this wasn’t a collaboration with a design brand, I would assume the prices would be half the real price of $149 (short version) and $229 (long version).
One change I would suggest to Apple - swap out the iPhone 17 in this provocative photo to the iPhone Air.
Thinner and sexier.
I thought this was a prank on X when I first saw it. If this wasn’t a collaboration with a design brand, I would assume the prices would be half the real price of $149 (short version) and $229 (long version).
One change I would suggest to Apple - swap out the iPhone 17 in this provocative photo to the iPhone Air.
Thinner and sexier.
Will Apple’s “Can’t Decide Guide,” video for the 2025 iPhones become its most popular YouTube video?
It’s been out for 2 months, already has 50 million views, and only 1 million views away from being the number 2 video behind the glorified MacBook security features video that has 79 million views.
For context let’s look at the video release dates of Apple’s top 4 videos along with view count to really see the impact of this year’s iPhones:
The Underdogs: Swiped Mac | Apple at Work - 79 million views, released 7/19/23
Heartstrings | Apple Holiday | Hearing Aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 - 51 million views, released 11/28/24
Someday, by Spike Jonze | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - 44 million views, released 3/18/25
The Can’t Decide Guide: A Guided Tour of the New iPhone Family | Apple - 50 million views, released 9/9/25
I’ve been checking it every few days, and it keeps going up by a few million each time. My assumption is it will continue to gain tons of views for the holiday season, and then drastically taper off. It’s still slotted as the fourth most popular video even though it has the 3rd highest view count. (Even YouTube can’t keep up?)
Will it pass the 79 million views mark before then? Whether that happens or not, there’s no denying that the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air lineup is going to be a super-cycle upgrade year for Apple with 3 amazing choices.
It genuinely is tough to decide this year. You have the base iPhone 17, which has the best value in any smartphone today and even feels more premium than the 17 Pro. The iPhone Air is a glimpse of the future, with the most durable and slimmest chassis ever to be offered by Apple. Finally, the 17 Pro is chock full of features that most people will never use, but are still glad they have. It’s the soccer mom’s off road SUV that never touches grass.
It’s been out for 2 months, already has 50 million views, and only 1 million views away from being the number 2 video behind the glorified MacBook security features video that has 79 million views.
For context let’s look at the video release dates of Apple’s top 4 videos along with view count to really see the impact of this year’s iPhones:
The Underdogs: Swiped Mac | Apple at Work - 79 million views, released 7/19/23
Heartstrings | Apple Holiday | Hearing Aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 - 51 million views, released 11/28/24
Someday, by Spike Jonze | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - 44 million views, released 3/18/25
The Can’t Decide Guide: A Guided Tour of the New iPhone Family | Apple - 50 million views, released 9/9/25
I’ve been checking it every few days, and it keeps going up by a few million each time. My assumption is it will continue to gain tons of views for the holiday season, and then drastically taper off. It’s still slotted as the fourth most popular video even though it has the 3rd highest view count. (Even YouTube can’t keep up?)
Will it pass the 79 million views mark before then? Whether that happens or not, there’s no denying that the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air lineup is going to be a super-cycle upgrade year for Apple with 3 amazing choices.
It genuinely is tough to decide this year. You have the base iPhone 17, which has the best value in any smartphone today and even feels more premium than the 17 Pro. The iPhone Air is a glimpse of the future, with the most durable and slimmest chassis ever to be offered by Apple. Finally, the 17 Pro is chock full of features that most people will never use, but are still glad they have. It’s the soccer mom’s off road SUV that never touches grass.
The iPhone Decision.
It’s been a grueling month, the annual September - October tech month where I decide what new Apple hardware to buy. It’s also the month where my wife sighs every time I change my mind about what to buy, sell, trade-in, etc., because it involves using her Facebook marketplace account where she has a good reputation, score, or whatever seller rating metric they use.
After going back and forth between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air, I have finally decided on the Air. It just gives me the most satisfaction every time I hold it. Even when taking it off my MagSafe dock in my car, that feeling is unparalleled.
I have absolutely no regrets choosing the iPhone Air. I’ve realized over the past few weeks that my preference leans towards the feel, aesthetics, and premium quality of my iPhone over the feature set. Heck, even the slimmer iPhone 17 feels more premium than the bulbous 17 Pro now that the displays are the same, and if there was no iPhone Air, I would seriously consider the regular iPhone 17.
The blend of both premium quality and top features were always intertwined in the Pro lineup, but after they were unraveled this year, it really led to an iPhone identity crisis. Once I found out what mattered to me most and looked deep with myself, the answer became crystal clear. This year, the iPhone Air is hands down the most premium and most aesthetically pleasing device Apple has made, and it might even be the most premium device they have made, period.
And I am all in.
It’s been a grueling month, the annual September - October tech month where I decide what new Apple hardware to buy. It’s also the month where my wife sighs every time I change my mind about what to buy, sell, trade-in, etc., because it involves using her Facebook marketplace account where she has a good reputation, score, or whatever seller rating metric they use.
After going back and forth between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air, I have finally decided on the Air. It just gives me the most satisfaction every time I hold it. Even when taking it off my MagSafe dock in my car, that feeling is unparalleled.
I have absolutely no regrets choosing the iPhone Air. I’ve realized over the past few weeks that my preference leans towards the feel, aesthetics, and premium quality of my iPhone over the feature set. Heck, even the slimmer iPhone 17 feels more premium than the bulbous 17 Pro now that the displays are the same, and if there was no iPhone Air, I would seriously consider the regular iPhone 17.
The blend of both premium quality and top features were always intertwined in the Pro lineup, but after they were unraveled this year, it really led to an iPhone identity crisis. Once I found out what mattered to me most and looked deep with myself, the answer became crystal clear. This year, the iPhone Air is hands down the most premium and most aesthetically pleasing device Apple has made, and it might even be the most premium device they have made, period.
And I am all in.
In an alternate timeline, the iPhone Air was supposed to have a SIM tray, and Apple might have left a physical artifact on the device that proves it.
If you look right underneath the volume down button about 1.75cm below, you can see a faint cutout of a hole that looks like a SIM ejection slot. It’s very, very, very hard to see, and you have to have the proper lighting and some finger oils to really catch a glimpse of it. I found it one day by chance under the perfect set of lights, but it took me several days to find it again and actually photograph it properly. 📓
If you look right underneath the volume down button about 1.75cm below, you can see a faint cutout of a hole that looks like a SIM ejection slot. It’s very, very, very hard to see, and you have to have the proper lighting and some finger oils to really catch a glimpse of it. I found it one day by chance under the perfect set of lights, but it took me several days to find it again and actually photograph it properly.
Trying to clean the spot with a polishing cloth has the opposite effect and makes it impossible to see under the shiny reflective titanium. To try and find it, smudge the area with your finger oils, and apply your finger there for a few seconds so it gets some heat as well. Then lightly rub away the fingerprint with your hands and you will see where it looks like Apple would have put a SIM slot.
Was this supposed to be the ejector slot for a SIM tray?
The same, centered hole pictured next to an iPhone SE. No joke, it might take you days to see it.
Maybe this is just some sort of tool marking for manufacturing purposes, but the story kind of fits. ShrimpApplePro posted a regulatory snapshot on September 7th that shows all the different battery capacities for this year's iPhones, and it included two different battery sizes for the iPhone Air.
After all iPhones were released and Apple confirmed an eSIM only iPhone Air, all of ShrimpApplePro’s battery specs matched exactly, with MacRumors confirming all battery capacities on September 19th.
The lone exception? A 3036mAh, 11.823Wh iPhone Air battery that never made it to mass production. Looks like there might have been some last-minute manufacturing decisions and Apple was confident enough to forego cutting out a SIM slot and recycled all of the lower capacity batteries.
iDrop News has some more details that helps explain the whole eSIM situation in China:
While most countries don’t have a legal requirement that devices have a physical SIM card slot, China is the notable exception. Although there’s no explicit law or regulation, the regulatory framework effectively creates a de facto restriction, as all smartphones sold in China must obtain a Network Access License (NAL) and a State Radio Regulation of China (SRRC) Type Approval Certificate from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The process is somewhat opaque, but most analysts believe the MIIT has created a barrier to eSIM adoption by refusing to approve any devices that don’t include a physical SIM.
In a more recent piece:
Nevertheless, during its Awe Dropping event, Apple seemed optimistic that the iPhone Air would launch in China alongside the rest of this year’s iPhone lineup later that same week, listing it among the same 63 countries that were getting the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
It wasn’t until preorders opened on September 12 that Apple conceded that the iPhone Air wouldn’t be coming to mainland China, with the South China Morning Post reporting it had quietly updated its website to say that release information would be coming later.
At the time, the issue appeared to be mostly bureaucratic. Apple reportedly had all three state-owned carriers on board and ready to support the eSIM-only iPhone Air, but everyone was waiting for the MIIT to give the go-ahead to begin selling them. Apple could only say that it was “working closely with regulatory authorities to bring it to China as soon as possible.
Again, it all sounds very plausible that Apple was going back and forth whether to release a SIM-only version in China with a smaller battery. Considering how normal the current battery life is on the Air, a slightly smaller battery wouldn’t have been a deal breaker. We may never get the full story until years later when somebody writes a book with more details, or an Apple executive spills the beans in an interview.
If this slot was real (which I think it was), it would definitely have been a single SIM slot and not the dual-slot SIM card sandwich just because the device is stupid thin.
My original prediction wasn’t right, but I think I was damn close.
iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro - the paradox of choice.
One of the reasons I left Android for iPhone was the constant barrage of new devices being released with Android. Literally a new phone every few months, which made me a serial buyer and seller. The guy at the AT&T store even knew me by first name at one point.
Things really peaked around 2010-2012, where I had a new phone every couple of months, and when I finally did decide to keep a phone, I would start rooting it and installing new ROMs several times a week, trying to tweak and change devices.
My priorities did change after a while with kids and moving for work, but the kids were still young, so I had time to tinker around and get the ideal setup for my device. The ideal though, kept changing, and from one day to the next, there would always be some issues with a ROM update causing some key feature to glitch out.
Once the Nexus line of phones came out, the frantic buying and selling was tamed a bit, but the other flagships got better and better, outpacing Google’s yearly upgrade that just didn’t cut it anymore.
Back to the serial upgrading and selling.
I realized I couldn’t keep living like this. I needed a simple solution and wanted out of the modding game. Even if I didn’t root an Android phone, I could install a custom launcher or custom icons, and there we go again with the constant tweaking and tinkering of the device instead of actually using the device!
I finally decided that this couldn’t go on forever, and in 2012, I decided to get an iPhone 5.
The best tech decision I ever made.
It still had limitations over Android, but now I had the best smartphone with the best camera that only upgrades once a year.
Now the process was simple:
Buy the newest iPhone each year. It will be the most premium device with the most features.
There was always the possibility of tinkering with the iPhone, but for some reason, the idea of jailbreaking never tempted me. It just felt right the way it was. The upgrade cycle was also a relief on my mind (and wallet), to wait until September to get the latest and sell the previous year’s device.
How I wish it was that easy today.
The journey between 2016 - 2024 was a pretty standard one, with the Plus or Pro Max versions dominating my decision. Only twice did I gravitate towards a non-flagship phone, and in one of those cases, the flagship phone (iPhone 12 Pro Max) was my wife’s phone of choice, making it easier for me to go polar opposite and get the 12 mini. Wherever I wanted to look at the 12 Pro Max, all I had to do was grab my wife’s phone and fondle it for a few minutes (don’t judge me).
After a year with the iPhone 12 mini, I realized that I needed to go back to my flagship days and life was good for 4 years straight:
2021 - iPhone 13 Pro Max
2022 - iPhone 14 Pro Max
2023 - iPhone 15 Pro Max
2024 - iPhone 16 Pro Max
The regular iPhone 17 is out of the question just to be clear, as I am going for the most premium experience. The question is, what is the most premium experience now??
This is a question not just for me, but for any iPhone enthusiast.
The iPhone Air speaks to my heart, but the iPhone 17 Pro speaks to my mind. The battle between the heart and mind has never been so hard until this year, and that’s because Apple has done something this year that they never did with the iPhone:
The iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro in 2025 is the first time Apple has separated luxury and features. They used to be intertwined into one device, but now it has bifurcated into two polar opposites.
That feeling of, “wow, I can’t believe I have this beautiful device that is so capable,” is harder to answer.
You pick the Air, and you can marvel at its beauty and thinness, but it lacks in the camera department.
You pick the 17 Pro, and it reminds you of the sumo wrestler that’s strong, thick, and capable, but he ain’t gonna win any beauty contests.
Build quality and feel
iPhone 17 Pro is more rounded thanks to the unibody aluminum chassis, but it is also more slippery, making the polished Titanium on the Air more appealing with its grippy, secure feel. I drop my phones occasionally, and the last thing I want to see is a dent on my “premium” aluminum device.
That’s right, aluminum is much softer than titanium, and any hard crashes onto concrete on a naked iPhone (and even with some thin cases) is a recipe for dents and deep scratches. Durability is unbelievable on iPhone Air, with Titanium that’s almost unbendable, and more importantly undentable (I just made that up) when dropped from normal heights. You might see scuffs, but you will have to inspect the device closely to really find them. The plateau is also made of glass, making it much harder to scratch compared to iPhone 17 Pro’s aluminum plateau. From a fall, the plateaus are about even durability wise since aluminum will 100% scuff hard especially around the sharper edges, but the Air’s glass could break.
The feel in hand is about the same, yet different. The thicker, rounded 17 Pro is nice to wrap around the hand and sits well, but the thinner Air wraps around the hand just as well even though it is wider (71.9mm vs 74.7mm). Both feel comfortable in the hand, and both have a sense of amazement, giving off that, “I can’t believe I have this much power in my hand,” feeling whenever I hold them. I can easily touch my thumb to my middle finger when wrapping my hand around the phone.
Both devices look premium in different ways. I love the two-tone back of the Pro and really like the Deep Blue aluminum plateau that shimmers in the right kind of light. The camera lenses also look a lot better sitting on aluminum instead of glass, with camera rings that match the material and texture of the plateau. Symmetry is back on the 17 Pro, with the bottom USB-C port being flanked by an even number of speaker and microphone holes on either side. I can’t even remember the last iPhone flagship that had full symmetry at the bottom (after checking, it was the iPhone X).
iPhone Air looks more premium than the 17 Pro in other ways, with its high gloss titanium frame and also symmetrical microphone holes on the bottom. I am a bit disgruntled by the uneven USB-C port, and it does take away from the ultra-premium feel just a little bit. The thinness and lightness is another premium aspect in and of itself. The simplicity of the back glass and plateau is also elegant, with just one camera followed by a smooth pane of glass that covers the guts of the phone.
The titanium does overall beat out the 17 Pro in terms of overall premium build because thicker aluminum is just not as premium or rigid as thinner, polished titanium. No matter how wonderful and nostalgic Molly Anderson’s voiceover was for the iPhone 17 Pro launch, with a British accent that is right in line with Jony Ive, it won’t transform aluminum into a premium material.
Cameras
iPhone Air is very sleek and feels like the future, but it also regresses in the camera department which is a big deal for me. I miss taking ultra-wide photos and telephoto portraits of my children, but I also take a lot of photos of papers and receipts. The one annoying thing on an iPhone with an ultra-wide camera is when it auto switches to macro mode when taking pictures of said receipts. Not a problem on the Air! As for kid photos, the wife takes more than I do and they’re amazing quality on her 16 Plus, so do I really need the 3 lenses? I also have a Canon M50 with a macro lens. It is a beginner camera but will still outshines any mobile camera if you know what you’re doing (I mostly know what I’m doing and don’t just use the dummy modes on cameras).
I did test out the camera system on the 17 Pro, and it is really a big jump in quality and convenience. The 4x telephoto is the perfect balance between Apple’s 3x and 5x, and I can easily get good portrait shots even in my modestly sized living room. Of course if I do want to zoom in more, going to 8x still produces very nice photos at 12 megapixels that are really a treat to look at. Once again, this is only a big deal for me mainly because of kids, or else the cameras wouldn’t be a huge factor. The front facing cameras are the same on both devices, and it is a huge improvement with the square sensor that acts as a Center Stage camera when on a FaceTime call.
The iPhone Air’s main camera is also very serviceable, and even has a closer focusing distance than the 17 Pro still making it capable for pseudo-macro shots. You obviously don’t have ultrawide or telephoto capabilities. Still, not a deal breaker if all you want is a decent camera and you don’t really zoom in too much. The single camera also gives the back of the phone a cleaner look. But damn, those Pro cameras really have taken it to another level this year.
Display
As a Pro Max user for many years, the 6.3-inch Pro size is feeling just a bit too small for me, but it feels great in the hand. The 6.9-inch Pro Max display is also surprisingly comfortable since the device feels lighter than my 16 Pro Max did. I think that has to do with the extra thickness and lower overall density of the device. The iPhone Air feels like the perfect balance with its 6.5-inch display. If the Air was any smaller, it would be a non-contender, but I think Apple had to make it 6.5-inches in order to get the biggest battery they could. Once again, a very hard decision - the 17 Pro feels amazing in the hand, the 17 Pro Max doesn’t feel cumbersome, but the Air feels and looks like a Pro Max device from years past, looking even better from a distance when lying flat on a surface giving the illusory feeling that you’re just looking at a display panel and not a phone.
Battery
It’s a win-win for both devices. Most people thought the iPhone Air battery would be atrocious, but it matches the battery life of the iPhone 16 Pro. The 17 Pro and Pro Max get big battery upgrades from previous years, and even if you’re going from any recent Pro Max device to the 6.3-inch 17 Pro, you will have better battery life than your previous, bigger device. If you’re a 16 Pro Max user that wants to “downgrade“ to a smaller 17 Pro, the battery life numbers are equal per Apple’s benchmarks.
The iPhone Air is also no slouch either and easily lasts all day with normal use, equaling the battery life of an iPhone 16 Pro. Impressive battery life all around this year for both devices, considering what you are getting form factor wise.
I am getting less than ideal battery life on the iPhone Air, but that’s because I just. can’t. put. the. device. down!
Performance
For most normal users, there is no difference in performance between these phones. Your standard social media, photos and videos, call, texts, etc., are all going to be smooth with no hiccups.
Of course, if you’re a true Pro user, you already know the Pro is for you. People who want the Air but think it will be a slower device because it has one less GPU core don’t need to worry. Aside from the cameras, I would say the Air is 99% capable of doing everything the iPhone 17 Pro can do.
With iPhone Air, you can have your cake and eat it too.
If you could only pick one…
This is the million-dollar question, or the $1,000 question:
Which device do I pick?
I had to use the 17 Pro in isolation for almost two weeks, followed by the Air for a week. The choice was hard when using the 17 Pro, but it became much easier when using the iPhone Air.
iPhone Air is the way to go if you’re really looking for a fresh experience with the least amount of sacrifices. Sacrifices, not compromises because there is nothing compromised on the iPhone Air.
It really just boils down to this:
Which device gives you that feeling, that whenever you pick it up, makes you think, “Damn, I can’t believe I have this much power in my hands.”
For me, it’s iPhone Air…
I think.
Because those cameras…on the iPhone 17 Pro…man they’re good.
But it feels cheaper than the Air…that just feels amazing every time you hold it.
But the Pro’s Plateau looks amazing especially in Deep Blue with the light shimmering on it just right.
I’m still torn between these two devices. I can’t make up my mind.
I’m cooked.
One of the reasons I left Android for iPhone was the constant barrage of new devices being released with Android. Literally a new phone every few months, which made me a serial buyer and seller. The guy at the AT&T store even knew me by first name at one point.
Things really peaked around 2010-2012, where I had a new phone every couple of months, and when I finally did decide to keep a phone, I would start rooting it and installing new ROMs several times a week, trying to tweak and change devices.
My priorities did change after a while with kids and moving for work, but the kids were still young, so I had time to tinker around and get the ideal setup for my device. The ideal though, kept changing, and from one day to the next, there would always be some issues with a ROM update causing some key feature to glitch out.
Once the Nexus line of phones came out, the frantic buying and selling was tamed a bit, but the other flagships got better and better, outpacing Google’s yearly upgrade that just didn’t cut it anymore.
Back to the serial upgrading and selling.
I realized I couldn’t keep living like this. I needed a simple solution and wanted out of the modding game. Even if I didn’t root an Android phone, I could install a custom launcher or custom icons, and there we go again with the constant tweaking and tinkering of the device instead of actually using the device!
I finally decided that this couldn’t go on forever, and in 2012, I decided to get an iPhone 5.
The best tech decision I ever made.
It still had limitations over Android, but now I had the best smartphone with the best camera that only upgrades once a year.
Now the process was simple:
Buy the newest iPhone each year. It will be the most premium device with the most features.
There was always the possibility of tinkering with the iPhone, but for some reason, the idea of jailbreaking never tempted me. It just felt right the way it was. The upgrade cycle was also a relief on my mind (and wallet), to wait until September to get the latest and sell the previous year’s device.
How I wish it was that easy today.
The journey between 2016 - 2024 was a pretty standard one, with the Plus or Pro Max versions dominating my decision. Only twice did I gravitate towards a non-flagship phone, and in one of those cases, the flagship phone (iPhone 12 Pro Max) was my wife’s phone of choice, making it easier for me to go polar opposite and get the 12 mini. Wherever I wanted to look at the 12 Pro Max, all I had to do was grab my wife’s phone and fondle it for a few minutes (don’t judge me).
After a year with the iPhone 12 mini, I realized that I needed to go back to my flagship days and life was good for 4 years straight:
2021 - iPhone 13 Pro Max
2022 - iPhone 14 Pro Max
2023 - iPhone 15 Pro Max
2024 - iPhone 16 Pro Max
The regular iPhone 17 is out of the question just to be clear, as I am going for the most premium experience. The question is, what is the most premium experience now??
This is a question not just for me, but for any iPhone enthusiast.
The iPhone Air speaks to my heart, but the iPhone 17 Pro speaks to my mind. The battle between the heart and mind has never been so hard until this year, and that’s because Apple has done something this year that they never did with the iPhone:
The iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro in 2025 is the first time Apple has separated luxury and features. They used to be intertwined into one device, but now it has bifurcated into two polar opposites.
That feeling of, “wow, I can’t believe I have this beautiful device that is so capable,” is harder to answer.
You pick the Air, and you can marvel at its beauty and thinness, but it lacks in the camera department.
You pick the 17 Pro, and it reminds you of the sumo wrestler that’s strong, thick, and capable, but he ain’t gonna win any beauty contests.
Build quality and feel
iPhone 17 Pro is more rounded thanks to the unibody aluminum chassis, but it is also more slippery, making the polished Titanium on the Air more appealing with its grippy, secure feel. I drop my phones occasionally, and the last thing I want to see is a dent on my “premium” aluminum device.
That’s right, aluminum is much softer than titanium, and any hard crashes onto concrete on a naked iPhone (and even with some thin cases) is a recipe for dents and deep scratches. Durability is unbelievable on iPhone Air, with Titanium that’s almost unbendable, and more importantly undentable (I just made that up) when dropped from normal heights. You might see scuffs, but you will have to inspect the device closely to really find them. The plateau is also made of glass, making it much harder to scratch compared to iPhone 17 Pro’s aluminum plateau. From a fall, the plateaus are about even durability wise since aluminum will 100% scuff hard especially around the sharper edges, but the Air’s glass could break.
The feel in hand is about the same, yet different. The thicker, rounded 17 Pro is nice to wrap around the hand and sits well, but the thinner Air wraps around the hand just as well even though it is wider (71.9mm vs 74.7mm). Both feel comfortable in the hand, and both have a sense of amazement, giving off that, “I can’t believe I have this much power in my hand,” feeling whenever I hold them. I can easily touch my thumb to my middle finger when wrapping my hand around the phone.
Both devices look premium in different ways. I love the two-tone back of the Pro and really like the Deep Blue aluminum plateau that shimmers in the right kind of light. The camera lenses also look a lot better sitting on aluminum instead of glass, with camera rings that match the material and texture of the plateau. Symmetry is back on the 17 Pro, with the bottom USB-C port being flanked by an even number of speaker and microphone holes on either side. I can’t even remember the last iPhone flagship that had full symmetry at the bottom (after checking, it was the iPhone X).
iPhone Air looks more premium than the 17 Pro in other ways, with its high gloss titanium frame and also symmetrical microphone holes on the bottom. I am a bit disgruntled by the uneven USB-C port, and it does take away from the ultra-premium feel just a little bit. The thinness and lightness is another premium aspect in and of itself. The simplicity of the back glass and plateau is also elegant, with just one camera followed by a smooth pane of glass that covers the guts of the phone.
The titanium does overall beat out the 17 Pro in terms of overall premium build because thicker aluminum is just not as premium or rigid as thinner, polished titanium. No matter how wonderful and nostalgic Molly Anderson’s voiceover was for the iPhone 17 Pro launch, with a British accent that is right in line with Jony Ive, it won’t transform aluminum into a premium material.
Cameras
iPhone Air is very sleek and feels like the future, but it also regresses in the camera department which is a big deal for me. I miss taking ultra-wide photos and telephoto portraits of my children, but I also take a lot of photos of papers and receipts. The one annoying thing on an iPhone with an ultra-wide camera is when it auto switches to macro mode when taking pictures of said receipts. Not a problem on the Air! As for kid photos, the wife takes more than I do and they’re amazing quality on her 16 Plus, so do I really need the 3 lenses? I also have a Canon M50 with a macro lens. It is a beginner camera but will still outshines any mobile camera if you know what you’re doing (I mostly know what I’m doing and don’t just use the dummy modes on cameras).
I did test out the camera system on the 17 Pro, and it is really a big jump in quality and convenience. The 4x telephoto is the perfect balance between Apple’s 3x and 5x, and I can easily get good portrait shots even in my modestly sized living room. Of course if I do want to zoom in more, going to 8x still produces very nice photos at 12 megapixels that are really a treat to look at. Once again, this is only a big deal for me mainly because of kids, or else the cameras wouldn’t be a huge factor. The front facing cameras are the same on both devices, and it is a huge improvement with the square sensor that acts as a Center Stage camera when on a FaceTime call.
The iPhone Air’s main camera is also very serviceable, and even has a closer focusing distance than the 17 Pro still making it capable for pseudo-macro shots. You obviously don’t have ultrawide or telephoto capabilities. Still, not a deal breaker if all you want is a decent camera and you don’t really zoom in too much. The single camera also gives the back of the phone a cleaner look. But damn, those Pro cameras really have taken it to another level this year.
Display
As a Pro Max user for many years, the 6.3-inch Pro size is feeling just a bit too small for me, but it feels great in the hand. The 6.9-inch Pro Max display is also surprisingly comfortable since the device feels lighter than my 16 Pro Max did. I think that has to do with the extra thickness and lower overall density of the device. The iPhone Air feels like the perfect balance with its 6.5-inch display. If the Air was any smaller, it would be a non-contender, but I think Apple had to make it 6.5-inches in order to get the biggest battery they could. Once again, a very hard decision - the 17 Pro feels amazing in the hand, the 17 Pro Max doesn’t feel cumbersome, but the Air feels and looks like a Pro Max device from years past, looking even better from a distance when lying flat on a surface giving the illusory feeling that you’re just looking at a display panel and not a phone.
Battery
It’s a win-win for both devices. Most people thought the iPhone Air battery would be atrocious, but it matches the battery life of the iPhone 16 Pro. The 17 Pro and Pro Max get big battery upgrades from previous years, and even if you’re going from any recent Pro Max device to the 6.3-inch 17 Pro, you will have better battery life than your previous, bigger device. If you’re a 16 Pro Max user that wants to “downgrade“ to a smaller 17 Pro, the battery life numbers are equal per Apple’s benchmarks.
The iPhone Air is also no slouch either and easily lasts all day with normal use, equaling the battery life of an iPhone 16 Pro. Impressive battery life all around this year for both devices, considering what you are getting form factor wise.
I am getting less than ideal battery life on the iPhone Air, but that’s because I just. can’t. put. the. device. down!
Performance
For most normal users, there is no difference in performance between these phones. Your standard social media, photos and videos, call, texts, etc., are all going to be smooth with no hiccups.
Of course, if you’re a true Pro user, you already know the Pro is for you. People who want the Air but think it will be a slower device because it has one less GPU core don’t need to worry. Aside from the cameras, I would say the Air is 99% capable of doing everything the iPhone 17 Pro can do.
With iPhone Air, you can have your cake and eat it too.
If you could only pick one…
This is the million-dollar question, or the $1,000 question:
Which device do I pick?
I had to use the 17 Pro in isolation for almost two weeks, followed by the Air for a week. The choice was hard when using the 17 Pro, but it became much easier when using the iPhone Air.
iPhone Air is the way to go if you’re really looking for a fresh experience with the least amount of sacrifices. Sacrifices, not compromises because there is nothing compromised on the iPhone Air.
It really just boils down to this:
Which device gives you that feeling, that whenever you pick it up, makes you think, “Damn, I can’t believe I have this much power in my hands.”
For me, it’s iPhone Air…
I think.
Because those cameras…on the iPhone 17 Pro…man they’re good.
But it feels cheaper than the Air…that just feels amazing every time you hold it.
But the Pro’s Plateau looks amazing especially in Deep Blue with the light shimmering on it just right.
I’m still torn between these two devices. I can’t make up my mind.
I’m cooked.