Did iPhone Air Do Justice to the Death of the Plus Model?

Apple has retired the Plus model and replaced it with something completely different: the all-new iPhone Air. The Plus was always the big-screen, big-battery iPhone for people who didn’t want to pay Pro prices. The Air, on the other hand, is Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. They are not exactly a one-to-one comparison. However, it still raises the question: is the new Air model a good enough replacement for the Plus model?

Short Answer: No. If you really want an ultra-thin iPhone, then the iPhone Air might be the perfect one ever made. However, for many people, the list of trade-offs might not be justified just to get a thin iPhone. Here’s what I’m talking about. 

Bigger Display > Ultra-thin Design

The iPhone Plus models were built for size, with a 6.7-inch screen that made streaming, gaming, and reading more immersive. The Air trims this down to 6.5 inches, placing it right between the regular iPhone and the Plus models.

On paper, the difference looks small, but in everyday use it takes away the very thing Plus owners valued most: the biggest possible screen without paying Pro Max prices.

The iPhone Air does offer a thin design as its advantage. It was mind-blowing when I first held the device, or should I say “Awe Dropping.” But apart from that initial surprise, what exactly is the advantage of being slim? It does not even make the phone more pocket-friendly. So while the ultra-thin design looks good, having a bigger display has the edge, especially in long-term use. 

Compromise on Battery Life

One of the strongest reasons to pick the Plus was its battery. At 4674mAh, it comfortably lasted a full day and then some. The Air, with just 3149mAh, struggles to keep up. In this year’s lineup, it is the only downgraded model, while all other models have increased battery capacity. The reason was obvious: there’s not enough space inside for a bigger battery. 

Apple claims they have improved efficiency with features like Adaptive Power that block background apps, but these feel more like workarounds for what’s missing.

The same refinements would have made the Plus model last even longer, just like the rest of the lineup. Even Apple seems to know this, because to compensate they released a MagSafe battery pack that sticks to your iPhone Air and makes it even bulkier than a regular iPhone.

Slower Charging Speeds

The 16 Plus offered 25W wired and 25W MagSafe charging, not industry-leading, but still decent. The Air cuts this to 20W everywhere. In 2025, when even mid-range Android phones charge faster, this feels like a step back for anyone upgrading from a Plus.

The only upside is that the Air has a smaller battery, so it can charge up fairly quickly. However, without this charging speed downgrade, the Air could have charged in less than an hour.

No More Ultra-Wide Camera

Thinner phones means less internal space, so along with battery, charging speed, we also long a ultra-wide camera. 

The Plus gave you flexibility with its dual system: a 48MP wide and a 12MP ultrawide for landscapes and group shots. The Air removes that second lens, leaving just a single 48MP sensor. For casual shooters it may not matter, but for many it feels like a downgrade.

eSIM Only, No Physical Option

Apple is already moving towards eSIM. However, while the rest of the lineup still supports a physical SIM card, the iPhone Air is eSIM-only everywhere.

While that may be the future, travelers and people who swap SIMs often may find it frustrating. And in the name of thinness, this model has no alternative other than being eSIM-only.

No DisplayPort Output

DisplayPort is a standard that lets you connect your device to an external monitor, projector, or even a TV, and mirror or extend the display. The iPhone 16 Plus supported this through its USB-C port, which made it handy for presentations, multitasking on a bigger screen, or turning the phone into a lightweight workstation.

While all other models including the base iPhone 17 carry the Display Port support forward, the Air removes this entirely. Without DisplayPort output, you lose that flexibility and can no longer connect it directly to an external display. You have to rely on AirPlay or third-party adapters that support the Display Port. 

Durability Concerns

At 5.6mm, the Air is the thinnest iPhone ever. It feels sleek and futuristic, but ultra-thin designs have a history of durability issues. Older users may remember the iPhone 6 bendgate, and can’t help but wonder if history might repeat itself here.

What the Air Brings to the Table

However, the Air also has advantages compared to previous Plus model. 

1. Pro Processor (A19 Pro)
   The Air runs on the same chip as the Pro models, something the Plus never got.
2. Titanium Build
   Instead of aluminum, the Air uses a titanium frame, making it stronger and lighter.
3. ProMotion Display
   120Hz LTPO panel with Always-On and 3000 nits peak brightness — this is leagues ahead of the Plus’ 60Hz panel.
4. Better Selfie Camera
   An 18MP front camera with OIS and spatial video recording. The Plus only had a 12MP unit.

All these advantages are not really because the phone is thin. Apple could have easily put the A19 Pro chip, titanium build, ProMotion display, and better selfie camera into a Plus model. Instead, we got an Air that sacrifices battery, display size, camera versatility, charging speed, and even external display support just to be slimmer.

And while the A19 Pro is powerful, packing it inside such a thin chassis may cause thermal throttling, meaning it might not even reach its full potential.

Verdict

The Plus was about practicality: a big screen and a huge battery at a fair price. The Air is about design: thinness, lightness, and premium materials. They are two completely different philosophies. For people who loved the Plus for what it offered, the Air doesn’t feel like justice, it feels like Apple killed a workhorse for a fashion model.