Every year, analysts closely track early consumer intent for new smartphone models to gauge market success. While the latest surveys confirm continued high demand for Apple ’s premium devices—the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max —the data reveals a surprising lack of interest in the ultra-slim model, the iPhone Air .
A recent note to investors (seen by AppleInsider ), based on a consumer survey, showed overwhelming interest in the iPhone 17 lineup. 71% of consumers surveyed in the United States are planning a purchase in 2025. The iPhone 17 Pro Max (33% share) and the iPhone 17 Pro (22% share) drove this demand. Collectively, the Pro models secured 72% of the total preference. This reflects a significant increase in preference for high-end features compared to the iPhone 16 generation.
iPhone Air low demand: The trade-off buyers are rejecting
This trend makes the low interest in the iPhone Air stand out dramatically. The Air model garnered an extremely low 2% share in the overall survey. This performance was so low that it was nearly excluded from the final reporting. The iPhone Air replaced the mid-size option, the iPhone 17 Plus. So, its lack of appeal is highly visible.
This low interest suggests that users do not want to accept the trade-offs inherent in ultra-slim designs. These often restrict large batteries, advanced cooling, or full-sized camera sensors. People seem to see these compromises as unacceptable for a flagship device. Today’s flagship buyer appears to prioritize high-end technical specifications and practical performance, such as all-day battery endurance, over a sleek but potentially fragile form factor.
Samsung’s strategy pivot: Galaxy S26 Plus revived
This consumer feedback is not isolated to Apple. Competitor Samsung is reportedly making a major strategic adjustment after its own ultra-slim experiment faced challenges. Following disappointing sales figures for this year’s Galaxy S25 Edge—a device designed to be the sleek, thinner alternative—Samsung is reportedly planning to “revive” the traditional Plus model for the Galaxy S26 lineup .
The S25 Edge model reportedly began experiencing slumping sales shortly after its launch. This led Samsung to rapidly reassess its strategy. The company’s planned production volumes demonstrated its own lack of faith. There was an assembly goal of 500,000 S25 Plus units compared to just 300,000 S25 Edge units in a specific quarter.
By “reviving” the S26 Plus, Samsung aims to secure the sales volume associated with a robust, established form factor. The market data suggests that while a new material or a thinner profile generates initial buzz, the majority of buyers are looking for endurance and capability, even if it means carrying a slightly thicker phone.
