The Rise and Fall of the iPhone Plus: Unpacking Apple’s Bold Shift with the iPhone 17 Series

Some drama has been brewing lately between the iPhone 17 Plus and the Air series, but what's it about? Rumors have it that Apple is deciding to discontinue the Plus model for the iPhone 17 lineup and replace it with its new "Slim" series. Though the new model offers a thinner profile and a slightly smaller display than the current Plus(iPhone 16 Plus,iPhone 15 Plus and or), it's an effort to streamline the iPhone lineup. 

Of course, you can dig all this up in this article, as it’ll break down why Apple decided to dump the Plus series and what the reasons were. Next, you can find various things about the new Air series and why they are getting the hype in the community. Finally, let’s wrap things up with a comparison table between the two and learn how people reacted to this big change.

Why Apple Dismissed the “Plus” iPhone 17 Series?

If you think about it, the “Plus” series has a good run, but it’s time to look to the future and get the bigger picture. That was the mentality of the Apple designers as they dismissed these series for such reasons and more, given below:

1. Underwhelming Sales: The numbers weren't great compared to the Pro and Max versions; the Plus models just didn't sell as well.

2. User Feedback: It got several mild reviews and didn’t exactly get the hype Apple loves from its consumers to continue the series.

3. Market Position: Looking at its marketing place, the Plus model sat between the base and Pro/Max models, not quite budget-friendly and premium.

4. Cleaner Product Lineup: For the sake of simplifying the iPhone family, removing the Plus model was necessary instead of flooding various shelves with features.

5. Design Fatigue: Honestly speaking, the Plus didn’t bring anything visually new to the table, and people were getting bored with it.

iPhone 17 “Air” or “Slim” Model - The Next Big Thing

Apple is reportedly working on some of the biggest changes to the iPhone, like design, camera, and performance upgrades. Let’s go through various features that have been rumored to come in early 2026:

Slimmest Body

Among all the upcoming models of the iPhone 17, Air is the hottest new topic on the block. It is expected to be Apple's slimmest iPhone yet, 5.5mm to 6mm thick, making it thinner than any previous iPhone.

Camera Design & Upgrade

Its camera is said to be equipped with a single rear 48-megapixel camera, a microphone, and an LED flash. Apple is planning to use a horizontal bar-like camera for the iPhone 17 Air.

Modem Chip

The iPhone 17 Air is said to feature an in-house 5G modem chip, replacing Qualcomm’s modem. While it might not support mmWave 5G, it is expected to offer speeds of up to 4 Gbps.

Wireless Connectivity

All 17 models are expected to support Wi-Fi 7, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity. With its Bluetooth 5.3, it’s expected to enhance the performance of accessories like AirPods and other home devices.

Efficient A19 Chip

You know, you’ll be getting Apple’s new A19 chip, built on an improved 3nm process. Also, the Pro models will get the A19 Pro chip, which is far better in performance and efficiency.

Battery Replacement

They are reportedly making it easier to replace the battery in all iPhone 17 models and adhering to new technology. The battery replacement makes things simpler, while also reducing repair costs and improving sustainability.

No SIM Tray

Apple removed the physical SIM tray from iPhones, and the iPhone 17 Air, being ultra-thin, is likely to rely entirely on eSIM.

The New iPhone 17 Series: Disliked or a Hidden Gem?

It's a big step for iPhone designers as they are going ambitiously with their new lineup, featuring impressive replacements and features. However, some of the changes might not sit well with the others. Though the public demanded a sleek and lightweight smartphone, do they agree with the Air series? Some folks are generally excited about the new lineup, while others find it meh.

Comparison Between the iPhone 17 Plus and Air

Go through the following comparison table on the current rumors of the iPhone 17 Plus and Air series so that it'll give you a better idea:

User Sentiment Speaks: How Users Feel About the Change

If the reviews are displayed, honestly, it's a mixed bag of emotions. The world of tech can debate on its specs all day, and it would seem users were and weren't happy about it. The media feels it was a marketing strategy, as removing the Plus series might feel better.

Well, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, it is reported that what's coming "is more than just an attempt to juice sales with something distinct." Others view it as an innovative product line and want to experience all its features first-hand.

Final Verdict: Disliked, Misunderstood, or Ahead of Its Time?

What do you think was dropping the Plus model a mistake? Is the new Air/Slim model a game-changer or just Apple trying too hard to be trendy? Maybe it’s both of these things, or it isn’t, but nonetheless, this shift is about something different, just like the all-new announced tariffs (sighs). This article weighs all the facts, feelings, and future potential to give you a take by comparing the two series and getting a review from people.

However,Amid the U.S. tariff war, Apple secures exemptions.So Do you want to buy a new iPhone 17!