In a new interview with The Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple’s Vice President of Industrial Design Molly Anderson, and Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface Design Alan Dye discussed their hopes and own reactions to the iPhone Air. Here are the details.
‘An iPhone for the Ozempic era’
While the WSJ’s story may include the oddest definition of the iPhone Air yet, it does provide some insight into what Apple sees as the device’s strongest selling points.
During the entire interview, the executives obviously tout the device’s thinness and lightness, which was to be expected. Still, they offer one interesting tidbit on the choice of material and finish for the iPhone Air’s frame:
“Unlike the more textured Pro models, the Air’s surface is polished to a highly reflective shine, which Anderson said helps make the device look even thinner. And perhaps more distinctive. ‘Being able to bring that kind of luster evokes a different sense of what the phone is and how people use it and how they wear it,’ she said.”
The executives also acknowledge that users will be split between staying in the Pro camp, or jumping to the Air (no pun intended), despite its compromises. More than that, they say this is kind of the point. Here’s Anderson again:
“‘I like that it’s a hard choice,’ she said, contrasting the Air with the sturdier Pro series, a workhorse for photographers, filmmakers and content creators. As if to communicate its competence, the new Pro is available in a traffic-cone hue that Apple calls ‘cosmic orange.’ (It also comes in silver and dark blue.)
And
“‘I really think people will struggle with it,’ Anderson said. ‘Because, you know, the Pro is a beautiful and incredible product as well. But I think the lightness, the lean towards style, the idea of not carrying so much weight, is just such a different experience.’”
Good at keeping secrets
During the interview, the WSJ’s Sam Schube also tried his luck and asked about the possibility of the iPhone Air being Apple’s step one to the release of a foldable phone, which is reportedly slated for next year:
“‘We’re really good at keeping secrets,’ Cook said when I asked him about this, saying he preferred to focus on the day’s new announcement.”
Many users believe the iPhone Air will offer Apple the chance to perfect (and cheapen) the manufacturing process of an ultra-thin iPhone, which needs to stay thin even when closed. For reference, the Samsung Fold Fold 7 is 8.9mm thin when closed and a mere 4.2mm thin when opened.
The interview also touches on the crossbody strap accessory, which Cook says is Apple’s way of allowing users to further express their personalities, which seemingly plays an important role in the overall marketing concept of the iPhone Air:
“When something becomes so much a part of you, it needs to reflect your style. (…) We’re saying this product is so personal that it needs to reflect you. And you are the best person to decide what that means.”
For our full hands-on with the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro, follow this link.
Do you plan on buying the iPhone Air rather than the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max? Let us know in the comments
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