Recently, The Wall Street Journal disclosed that the iPhone 17 Air will be priced lower than the iPhone Pro variants, challenging the previous expectation that this ultra-slim model would be costlier than the iPhone Pro Max. With this development, the phone seems more appealing than ever.
New pricing speculation
According to a new report by The Wall Street Journal, the much-anticipated iPhone 17 Air is expected to have the following features:
Beginning next year, Apple plans to unveil a model that will have a slimmer profile than the approximately 8-millimeter thickness of current devices. This model aims to be more affordable than Pro versions, featuring a simplified camera system to cut costs.
This statement contradicts earlier reports. In May, a publication, The Information, shared some preliminary details about the device, suggesting:
The thinner iPhone could launch alongside the iPhone 17, which is anticipated in September 2025, according to three individuals with direct knowledge and two others familiar with the project. They indicated it might be priced higher than the iPhone Pro Max, Apple’s most expensive model currently starting at $1,200.
Importance of this information
Clearly, a price higher than that of the iPhone Pro Max would mean a cost of at least $1199 and potentially as high as $1299 for a thinner iPhone with fewer features, compromised battery performance, and just one camera. This didn’t seem like a justifiable expense. While it may have looked appealing and could pave the way for thinner future models, it wouldn’t have provided enough value.
More recently, there have been suggestions that the iPhone 17 Air might not include a second speaker, relying solely on the earpiece for sound. Given the numerous compromises, paying a hefty premium for it wouldn’t have made sense.
However, if the latest reports are accurate, we can anticipate a model priced below the Pro variants. It’s uncertain what this might entail, as there could be a price increase for the iPhone 17 Pro; nonetheless, it’s expected that the iPhone 17 Air will be priced under $1000. If the iPhone 17 Pro doesn’t see a price hike, the 17 Air could be available for as low as $899, matching the price of the iPhone 16 Plus.
This would significantly enhance its value proposition, making the new model up to $400 less expensive than earlier assumptions.
Conclusion
Certainly, you would still lose out on battery life and a second camera compared to the iPhone 16 Plus, as well as a missing second speaker. However, you would gain a stylish, visually striking, and significantly slimmer iPhone at the same price you paid last year. Apple likely anticipates that this will be a key selling point. This will mark the first time in many years that an iPhone looks distinctly different from its predecessor.
Additionally, unlike the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the base model iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, further enhancing their appeal to tech enthusiasts.
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