Why don’t we address the rumors that have been going around about Apple ditching the Plus model? Yeah, you heard right, the iPhone 17 Air rumors are true, and they are being replaced by the iPhone Air series. It might sound cool as the new series is thinner and sleeker, but here's the catch: Apple might be using it as a one-to-one replacement strategy.
While the recent tariff news are bringing a dynamic shift in the electronic industry, the Plus Model getting axed from Apple could impact how you choose your next iPhone - yes, you might also feel it. Let's dive into which iPhones have rocked the Plus name and why Apple would be killing the Plus series. Moreover, this article will break down the main differences between the two series, how Samsung could jump on this golden opportunity and more.
What iPhones Have a Plus Size?
Let's rewind a little bit and talk about the backstory of the Plus model, as it started back in 2014 with the iPhone 6. It gave users a larger 5.5-inch display, a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 24-hour life, and more. After that, the Plus model keeps popping up in the iPhone 6s, 7, and 8 models with better features. With a gap for at least 4 years, it then started offering the Plus model in the 14 series and so on.
The Plus, like the iPhone 8 Plus, has struggled to justify its existence. So, Apple skipped it for the iPhone X series and didn’t bring it back for the next 11, 12, and 13 models. You can say that the main reason behind breaking the lineup was that the product was underperforming. Is that the only reason why iPhone 17 Plus won’t be introduced by Apple?
iPhone 17 Plus – iPhone 17 Air: Why Apple Might Kill the iPhone 17 Plus
Why don't you go through the following reasons to know why Apple might be hinting at killing the new iPhone 17 Plus and replacing it with the Air series? This information is interesting enough and helps you better understand their motive:
1. Weaker Sales: The Plus models weren’t selling as expected; consumers seemed to view it as the middle child, as it was significantly higher in price than other models.
2. Lineup Reconstruction: Apple has the tendency to trim down underperforming models and reshape their lineup into Base<Air<Pro<Pro Max.
3. Overlap with Base Model: Another reason for Apple killing the iPhone 17 Plus is that it shared too many similarities with the other standard iPhone models.
4. Strategic Upselling: Apple might intentionally create a bigger jump in price and feature by removing the Plus and nudging users towards the Air.
5. Refresh Branding: Don't you think Plus sounds outdated? So, to liven things up, Apple shifted to the iPhone 17 Air for consistency and marketing appeal.
iPhone Plus Model vs. iPhone 17 Air
Excited to learn about what sets the iPhone 17 Plus and Air apart? Then go through the following comparison table and decide for yourself:
|
Features |
iPhone Plus Model (16 Series) |
iPhone 17 Air(Expected) |
|
Design |
Thicker body (approx. 8.25 mm) Aluminum and glass design |
Ultra slim body (approx. 5.5 mm) Glass and Titanium Build |
|
Camera |
A module housing 2 cameras 48 MP main and ultrawide, camera |
Single pixel-like camera module 48MP single rear camera |
|
Display |
6.7-inch XDR OLED display |
6.6-inch OLED display with ProMotion |
|
Performance |
A18 Chip 8 GB RAM |
A19 Bionic chip paired with 8 GB RAM |
|
Battery |
4674mAh |
Small battery |
|
Dynamic Island |
Smaller Dynamic Island |
Dynamic Island and Face ID |
Android’s Golden Chance: How Samsung Could Exploit Apple’s Plus Model Exit
Android and iOS have always been in a competitive race with each other over several decades. Samsung will never miss this opportunity if Apple ditches the Plus series - it's like their golden chance to sell their products. Samsung has its own sleek mobile series, such as the Galaxy A and FE series, that offer big displays, high refresh rates, and solid cameras at competitive prices.
If Apple removes a mid-tier big-screen iPhone, Samsung can swoop in with a device that offers more value and a hefty price jump. Without a Plus, users might get tempted by Samsung's Fold or Flip lineup series. With this much alteration in their series, Samsung can take this opportunity, and you bet they'll run with it.
Will iPhone 17 Base Model Feel Cheaper Without a Plus Option?
Considering the iPhone 17 Air rumors, with the Plus option, the standard iPhone 17 could feel like a budget option by default. It could possibly be a bigger price jump from base to Pro if we consider the standard-sized model. So, if the Air is more premium and the Pro is way more expensive, the base iPhone 17 might start to feel stripped down, maybe even cheap. That could push more people to spend more money, which might be Apple’s strategy all along.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if iPhone 17 Air rumors are true and Apple wants to axe the Plus model, it calls for a major shift in the market. It's like a good news, bad news situation, where the lineup could get simplified and boost the appeal of the iPhone 17 Air, but it might create confusion. Whatever the case is, it's essential to choose the best iPhone cases from ESR.
People also ask:
Will the Death of the Plus cause iPhone Case Makers to Panic?
It's not a full-on panic, but definitely a shake-up because if the iPhone 17 Air really does have a new, thinner design, the case makers can't just recycle the Plus molds. However, you can find all the best and most flexible collection of phone cases on ESR. You can view its iPhone cases categories that are designed for MagSafe and offer military-grade toughness with Qi2 fast charging.
When is the iPhone 17 Air Release Date?
The iPhone 17 Air is announced to be released in mid-September of 2025, maybe during the second week of September.
