Apple’s latest iPhone lineup has stirred debate among buyers. The highlight is the wafer-thin iPhone Air, measuring just 5.6mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever. However, the iPhone 17 Pro emphasizes functionality with advanced cameras and longer battery life. The choice comes down to whether users value style or performance.
Tim Cook on Choosing Between Models
Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the tricky decision, joking with The Wall Street Journal that the iPhone Air “does seem like it’s going to fly away when you’re holding it.” He explained that his choice would depend on “whether I want to float through the air,” highlighting the Air’s lightness versus the Pro’s power.
The Design Perspective
Apple’s design chief Molly Anderson admitted the company deliberately made the choice tough. She called the Air “something we dreamed about for a long time—to make just an incredibly, shockingly thin iPhone.” In contrast, the Pro is designed for professionals—photographers, videographers, and heavy users.
Cook added that iPhones have become deeply personal: “When something becomes so much a part of you, it needs to reflect your style.” With the Air, Apple is betting on aesthetics as much as specs.
The Practical Differences
- iPhone Air: Starts at ₹1,19,900 ($999). Offers a single camera and 27 hours of battery life. Focused on ultra-light design but lacks zoom capabilities and endurance.
- iPhone 17 Pro: Priced at ₹1,34,900 ($1,099). Comes with a triple-camera system with 8x zoom and lasts 39 hours on a single charge, according to Apple.
Anderson believes customers will feel the difference immediately: “The lightness, the lean towards style, the idea of not carrying so much weight, is just such a different experience.”
The Bottom Line
If you prioritize style, thinness, and portability, the iPhone Air is the clear choice. But if you value powerful cameras, zoom, and long battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro is worth the extra cost. Ultimately, Apple leaves the decision to whether buyers want an iPhone that’s shockingly thin or feature-packed.