Possibly I am simply getting bent out of practice, however the brand new iPhone Air looks like it could be my worst nightmare. The slim and trim model of the model new iPhone 17 was the star of Apple’s “awe dropping” September event, with Apple bragging they created a mannequin that is solely 5.6 mm thick, concerning the dimension of three stacked bank cards. However I’ve to ask: Did anybody actually ask for a super-thin iPhone?

Apple has loaded up the iPhone Air with higher battery life and sooner processing energy by way of the A19 Pro chip. It is also bought a 48-megapixel fusion digicam and a 12-megapixel 2x telephoto digicam. Apple mentioned that is essentially the most power-efficient cellphone it is ever made. It is prone to be a value-packed iPhone — or no less than it needs to be, for the reason that costs begin at $999 for 256GB. However none of that issues if the cellphone breaks, bends or shatters.

I am not a complete klutz, however I drop my cellphone often. I throw it in my bag whereas working out the door, shove it in my pockets whereas on a run and toss it on the counter whereas cooking. I want a cellphone that may take a little bit of jostling. I am not satisfied that Apple’s thinnest ever mannequin goes to have the ability to face up to all that, regardless of the corporate calling it its “most sturdy design but.”

I’ve precedent to again up my issues. When Apple launched the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in 2014, beforehand the slimmest mannequin Apple produced, early customers reported that the device would bend after they saved it of their pockets — it grew to become often called Bendgate. Apple mentioned it solely occurred for a couple of iPhone homeowners on the time, however historical past tends to repeat itself. 

Learn Extra: iPhone Air: Preorders for Apple’s Thinnest Ever Phone Are Live. Save Up to $1,000

“The iPhone 17 Air is a formidable feat of engineering, and Apple went into element concerning the system’s design. Given the challenges confronted with the iPhone 6 Plus, which resulted within the ‘bendgate’ controversy, Apple clearly needs to place minds at relaxation,” mentioned Ben Wooden, an analyst at CCS Perception.

Possibly Apple’s presentation would’ve eased my worries concerning the sturdiness of the iPhone Air if it had talked about something sensible about its testing and growth past advertising and marketing fluff. If the corporate needs us to spend a thousand bucks on a brand new iPhone on this economic system, we need to realize it will not bend or break after a couple of makes use of. (Fortunately for us, CNET plans to check it quickly.)

I recognize what Apple is attempting to do, and I am certain the iPhone Air will likely be interesting for some people who desire a lighter system. However thinner is not all the time higher.

For extra, take a look at everything Apple announced at the iPhone 17 event.