Who is the iPhone Air really for?

Key takeaways

The iPhone Air is intriguing for its design, but users should weigh its battery life and camera capabilities against the standard iPhone 17.
Apple's immersive experiences, like the AirPods Pro 3, showcase essential upgrades in design and comfort, especially for those previously dissatisfied with fit.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is positioned as the best option for most users, offering necessary features without the price tag of the high-end models.
Apple harnesses AI primarily as supportive technology rather than leading consumer-facing products in a world increasingly engaged with chatbots and agentic services.
Understanding the differences between various AI capabilities helps clarify Apple's strategic direction versus the industry at large.

Summary

Decluttering Personal Lives and New Apple Devices

David Pierce opens the episode with a personal anecdote about decluttering as he prepares for his upcoming move. In the spirit of change and freshness, the hosts turn their attention to the new Apple devices announced recently. The episode delves into Apple's Review Season, highlighting the various new offerings including smartphones, watches, and earbuds, and how this period serves as an excellent checkpoint for assessing Apple's position in the tech landscape.

Exploring the iPhone Air's Appeal

Alison Johnson and Jake Kastronakes discuss their experiences with the iPhone Air and iPhone 17. Alison reviewed the iPhone Air, noting its lightweight design and the meaning behind that in context to user experience. She mentions that while the Air is an intriguing option for modern smartphone users, battery life and camera capabilities may make it less appealing compared to the standard iPhone 17, which is positioned as a solid all-around device.

The Upgrades in AirPods Pro 3

Victoria Song joins the discussion to elaborate on her review of the AirPods Pro 3. She reports that the headphones are a significant upgrade, focusing on design, comfort, and a notable improvement in fit for different ear types. The advancements have led to a more secure fit and comfort during prolonged use, addressing a significant concern for users who previously struggled with the AirPods design.

Apple Watch Lineup and Best Recommendation

Finally, the hosts compare the various Apple Watch models - the SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3. The prevailing consensus is that the SE 3 offers the best value for most consumers, delivering essential upgrades from its predecessor while remaining affordable. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 have their niches but seem less appealing due to minor improvements that may not justify the price differential for average users.

The Role of AI in Apple's Strategy

In a hotline query discussion, the topic shifts to AI within Apple's ecosystem. The hosts ponder whether Apple believes in AI's potential or is simply biding its time. They delve into the varying definitions and applications of AI, highlighting Apple's focus on on-device AI functionalities versus the more extravagant chatbot or agentic AI visions prevalent in industry discussions.

Show notes

It's been a busy week for The Verge's product reviewers! We've got three new phones, three new watches, and a set of earbuds on the docket, and the team is ready to talk about (almost) all of it. First, Allison Johnson and Jake Kastrenakes join to talk about their experiences with the iPhone Air, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro. One is fabulous with some compromises, one is just a down-the-middle excellent phone, and the other is for camera nerds. After that, Victoria Song talks about the AirPods Pro 3, which are also a stellar upgrade, and then helps us make sense of the new lineup of Apple Watches. There's the SE 3, the Series 11, and the Ultra 3, but there's only one clear winner for most people. Finally, we answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) about Apple's up-and-down focus on AI