Last Updated: August 28, 2025, 07:25 IST
iPhone 17 Air Poised to Replace Plus Variant: Will Elegance Prevail?
Rumored premium materials may grace the iPhone 17 Air.
The impending launch event for the iPhone 17 has been officially confirmed, and as leaks proliferate, anticipation mounts surrounding the new iPhone 17 Air model. However, amid these evolutions, Apple appears poised to retire yet another variant: the iPhone 17 Plus.
Indeed, reminiscent of the Mini variant’s fate a few years prior, Apple may soon phase out the Plus designation in favor of the sleeker, ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air model. These mid-tier offerings have consistently struggled to resonate with consumers, yet Apple remains committed to exploring new avenues; the latest iteration appears set to embrace minimalist elegance.
Potential Misfire?
Apple’s introduction of the iPhone Mini was predicated on a belief that a segment of the market craved compact devices. Yet, this initiative faltered after just two generations, leading to the introduction of the Plus model, which promised a larger display but ultimately mirrored the standard iPhone in most respects.
While there were expectations for the Plus variant to garner widespread acclaim, industry analyses consistently reveal that the standard model remains unmatched in popularity. The Plus featured identical functionalities, differing primarily in screen size and a marginally extended battery life. The design and camera capabilities showed little divergence.
Additionally, Apple positioned the iPhone 16 Plus at a price point approximately Rs 10,000 higher than its counterpart, a decision that arguably backfired.
Will the iPhone 17 Air Succeed?
Apple possesses a keen ability to gauge consumer sentiment towards sleek devices. Recent months saw Samsung unveil its Galaxy S25 Edge, which sparked widespread concern regarding durability and long-term viability.
Initial apprehensions regarding sturdiness have since been alleviated, yet the allure of a slender device with a compact battery has yet to capture the public’s favor decisively. What, then, does Apple aim to achieve with this streamlined offering?
Unlike Samsung, we might witness Apple unveiling a vision of a portless or even button-less iPhone, potentially integrating iOS 26 and subsequent versions with its innovative Liquid glass design and an expansive all-screen format.
Ultimately, while Apple aspires for strong sales of the new iPhone Air variant, even a lackluster response may not deter the company from refining this inaugural model, allowing it to pivot away from the hastily discarded Plus variant without regret.
Source link: News18.com.
