Apple’s newly unveiled iPhone Air has captured global attention for its ultra-thin design, but in price-conscious markets like India, it is leaving customers with mixed feelings. The device replaces the long-standing iPhone Plus models and introduces Pro-level processors in a slimmer frame.
While Apple positions it as a light and powerful option, the iPhone Air raises a key question for Indian buyers: is it a larger iPhone or a cheaper version of the Pro? Unlike standard iPhones, the Air comes with only one camera, yet it is priced significantly higher than the base models. This makes it appealing mainly to users who value a slim design and powerful performance but are less focused on camera features.
Ranjit Atwal, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, noted that the iPhone Air may not be well suited for India. “Yes, it’s confusing, especially given they didn’t promote the pro chip with AI use cases,” he said, adding that while it meets a growing demand for pocketable, high-performance devices, the pricing and camera compromise are limiting factors.
Francisco Jeronimo, Vice-President at a global research firm, explained that the iPhone Air follows the same positioning strategy as the Air versions of MacBook and iPad, sitting between the standard and Pro models. “The key difference from Plus models is that the distinct visual design creates stronger purchase motivation,” he said, pointing out that earlier Plus models struggled against older Pro devices at similar price points.
In India, however, pricing remains a challenge. The iPhone 17 (256 GB) costs Rs 82,900, while the iPhone Air (256 GB) is priced at Rs 1,19,900 — only Rs 15,000 less than the iPhone 17 Pro, which offers three professional-grade cameras. This, experts say, creates a perception of downgrade despite its “Pro-level” positioning.
The steep price gap could open the door for competition from Chinese smartphone makers, many of whom already offer ultra-thin designs in the $300–400 range. Models like the Tecno Pova provide comparable aesthetics to the iPhone Air at a fraction of the price, which may appeal more strongly in India. Analysts believe that while the iPhone Air may thrive in premium markets such as the United States and Northern Europe, its adoption in India could be far more limited.
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