Apple launches new iPhones every single year. But the introduction of a brand new model is a rarity, and this year we’ll end up getting two: iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 16e. Coincidentally, these two new models could turn out having a lot in common.
iPhone 16e focused on essentials, but with some drawbacks
Earlier this year, Apple launched the brand new iPhone 16e.
What was once thought to be an iPhone SE refresh turned into something altogether different.
Apple hasn’t defined the ‘e’ in the title, but some have said it could stand for ‘essential’—as in, “just the essentials.”
iPhone 16e is like the standard iPhone 16 in many respects. It features:
the same A18 chip
48MP main camera
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
USB-C port
But of course, the lower cost means a few things are missing.
You only get one rear camera, not two.
There’s no Camera Control button, or MagSafe support.
The display uses a notch rather than a Dynamic Island.
None of these missing features are core to the iPhone experience. Those “essential” features are all there, and it’s the “extras” you sacrifice.
With Apple’s second brand new iPhone model this year, we could see a similar playbook followed.
iPhone 17 Air could be to the 17 Pro what 16e is to 16
iPhone 17 Air, per the most recent rumors, will offer many of the latest and greatest Apple features.
It’s expected to include:
new 6.6-inch display with ProMotion
same 48MP main camera as Pro models
upgraded 24MP front-facing camera
A19 Pro chip
12GB of RAM
Many of these would normally be classified Pro-exclusive features. But this year the new Air model will offer them at a discount.
There will be compromises, though.
The ultra-thin new design will of course be a focal point. But it will also bring a battery life hit.
From what we know right now, it seems like iPhone 17 Air should have “good enough” battery, but not the kind of generous amount of Apple’s other models.
Losing the telephoto and Ultra Wide cameras will be another notable drawback. And rumors indicate some smaller differences might exist with the 17 Air’s display tech and chip when compared to iPhone 17 Pro models.
Ultimately though, iPhone 17 Air could be to the 17 Pro what the iPhone 16e is to the 16.
Many of the same great advancements, covering the essentials well, but with some drawbacks. Meaning customers will need to answer the question: how much are those extra features really worth to me?
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