A lot of excitement has surrounded this fall’s brand new iPhone 17 Air model. But per findings from a just-published survey of 3,500 current iPhone users, the device could prove a tougher sell for Apple than many of us might expect.
iPhone 16e survey has telling data regarding iPhone 17 Air challenges
SellCell, the device resale site, just published results of a survey focused on the iPhone 16e.
But while the data around the 16e is interesting in its own right, I was more fascinated by how the responses could point to a tough market for the iPhone 17 Air this fall.
For example, only 7.3% of respondents who have an iPhone 15 or older said they planned to upgrade to an iPhone 16e. That leaves 92.7% who said they would not choose the 16e.
Why? These were their top two reasons:
- Lack of multiple rear cameras (52.6%)
- Preference for higher-end model because they “want the best of what Apple has to offer” (34%)
Users were able to select three reasons each, and far and away their top responses were issues that apply not just to the iPhone 16e, but also crucially to the iPhone 17 Air.
To be fair, if these same users were asked about the iPhone 17 Air, they may judge the device differently.
I know for me personally, while I would balk at giving up my iPhone’s extra cameras for the 16e, I’m very strongly considering that sacrifice for the 17 Air.
Top comment by Krugler
Lack of multiple rear cameras (52.6%)
This one will be something that stops some people from buying the Air.
Preference for higher-end model because they “want the best of what Apple has to offer” (34%)
This one, on the other hand, I don't think will. "the best of what Apple has to offer" is about marketing, not specs; or at least, it's not about any one particular spec. If the Air is thin and light enough, that will qualify for some people.
I also have a sneaking suspicion that, for a sizable portion of the consumer base, "the best of what Apple has to offer" means "the one Apple is promoting the hardest in all their ads."
In any case, the survey makes clear that Apple will have challenges to overcome with its new ultra-thin model. Not only will it lack additional rear cameras beyond the main sensor, but it also won’t be “the best of what Apple has to offer.”
Is that actually a problem for Apple? Maybe not, since Apple would likely prefer users buy the more expensive iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max anyways.
But it does provide helpful data around the things that matter most to prospective iPhone upgraders.
What do you make of the survey results regarding the iPhone 17 Air and 16e? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories
- AirPods Pro 2 (currently just $199, down from $249)
- 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack
- MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
- 100W charging brick for fast charging
- iPhone desk stand with StandBy and MagSafe
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments