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The iPhone 17 Pro Phones Far Outnumber Their Siblings, but the iPhone Air Has Fans

Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone Air is gaining popularity, but premium "Pro" models still dominate the market.

Key points

  • Design wins: The new, thinner iPhone Air has tripled its adoption rate compared to the iPhone 16 Plus it replaced, suggesting consumers are prioritizing sleek design.
  • Pro models remain king: Despite the Air's growth, 86% of iPhone 17 users still opt for the more expensive "Pro" and "Pro Max" models.
  • Global trends: The iPhone Air is particularly popular in markets like South Korea and Japan, while price-sensitive regions show lower adoption rates.
  • Modem progress: Apple’s new in-house C1X modem has reached performance parity with industry-standard Qualcomm chips, marking a significant milestone for the company’s hardware independence.
  • Data limitations: These findings are based on users of the Ookla Speedtest app, which may not perfectly reflect total global sales figures.
Why it matters

The data shows that while Apple’s design-focused "Air" strategy is successfully attracting new users, the company’s financial success remains heavily dependent on its high-end Pro lineup. Additionally, Apple’s progress in modem technology suggests it is moving closer to reducing its reliance on third-party suppliers like Qualcomm.

CNET Published by David Lumb
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