Apple simply introduced the model new iPhone 16 and 16 Professional lineup. Pre-orders are nearly open, which suggests now’s the time to make a shopping for choice. Must you improve, or wait one other yr? Let me present three causes for ready till subsequent yr’s iPhone 17 Air arrives.
Model new, ultra-thin design
The iPhone 17 Air first got here on to the rumor scene with the identify ‘iPhone 17 Slim.’ That’s as a result of considered one of its defining options shall be a radically skinny new design.
We don’t know precisely how skinny will probably be, however the change is predicted to be important.
This yr’s M4 iPad Professional was the thinnest system Apple has ever made. Contemplating what Apple did with the iPad, and the bodily necessities of the USB-C port, we have a very good sense of what the 17 Air might deliver.
The model new iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max are every 8.25 mm thick. Anticipate to see the 17 Air get lots nearer to the iPad Professional’s 5.1 mm measurement—an enormous discount.
Digicam upgrades on all sides
Apple didn’t change something in regards to the iPhone 16’s front-facing digicam. Enhancements had been all on the again of the system. However with the iPhone 17 line, a main improve is coming to the selfie digicam. It’s going from 12 MP to 24 MP and can certainly have new software program options to benefit from that enhance.
Flip it round, and the iPhone 17 Air’s rear digicam design shall be all-new. Reasonably than the multi-camera system within the top-left nook, Apple will debut a top-center placement for a single highly effective digicam. There’s not a lot we all know in regards to the new system at this level, however it’s fascinating to see what this huge design change might imply for the rear digicam.
It’s a glimpse on the future, in the present day
Like the unique MacBook Air did for laptops, the iPhone 17 Air is ready to vary the sport for smartphone design. It received’t be as highly effective because the 17 Professional fashions, however it should undoubtedly characterize the longer term.
If the iPhone 16 doesn’t excite you, subsequent yr’s mannequin ought to. Most iPhone fashions include iterative enhancements, however now and again there’s an iPhone X second. The iPhone 17 Air is poised to deliver that new telephone pleasure again. And it could make all different iPhones really feel only a bit dated.
Bonus: Apple Intelligence rollout will take some time
For lots of customers, the iPhone 16 line supplies their solely alternative to strive Apple Intelligence. The one older iPhone fashions that help the brand new AI options are final yr’s iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max.
However Apple’s staggered rollout of AI options might make it simpler to carry out for the iPhone 17 Air. The total slate of options introduced for Apple Intelligence will launch progressively, as a gradual drip over the course of the subsequent yr. So ready till 2025 for an AI-ready iPhone will not be too painful.
Wrap-up
In case you want an iPhone in the present day, the iPhone 16 and 16 Professional are very compelling choices. However should you’re on the fence, or the brand new fashions don’t excite you a lot, possibly watch for subsequent yr. The iPhone 17 Air ought to present the novel change you’ve been in search of in a brand new telephone.
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