No one expected such success: iPhone Air is selling twice as well as the iPhone 16 Plus

The new ultra-thin iPhone Air has unexpectedly become one of the most in-demand smartphones in Apple’s lineup. According to fresh data from analytics company Ookla, the iPhone Air accounts for 6.8% of all iPhone 17 series sales, whereas its predecessor—the iPhone 16 Plus—held just 2.9% in the previous generation. That’s more than double the growth in popularity.

Shifting Demand Within the Lineup

The base iPhone 17 has also shown positive momentum, with its share increasing from 5.9% to 7%. At the same time, the Pro and Pro Max models have slightly lost ground. Analysts attribute this to many buyers who previously chose the Plus version now opting for the thinner and more modern iPhone Air.

The key advantages of the new model are its genuinely fresh design, significantly reduced thickness, and premium feel. Many users note that the Air looks and feels like a true flagship while remaining in a more affordable price segment compared to the Pro models.

iPhone Air Confidently Outpaces Competitors

The success of the iPhone Air is especially noticeable in the U.S. market. According to Ookla, it surpasses its closest competitor—the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge—by roughly three times in sales share. This is a serious signal for Samsung, which has traditionally been strong in the segment of foldable and ultra-thin devices.

It is worth noting that Ookla’s data is based on Speedtest results and does not represent official sales statistics. Nevertheless, it provides a good reflection of real user preferences in everyday usage.

What’s Next

The success of the iPhone Air may prompt Apple to reconsider the internal hierarchy of its lineup. If the thin model continues to see such strong demand, the company will likely place even greater emphasis on it in future generations—possibly expanding the color range or offering more storage options.

For now, the iPhone Air confirms one thing: users are willing to pay for a new design and a sense of novelty, even within a familiar smartphone lineup.

In Brief

The iPhone Air has proven significantly more popular than its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Plus: it holds a 6.8% share of iPhone 17 series sales compared to 2.9% for the Plus model. The base iPhone 17 has also grown in popularity, while the Pro versions have slightly declined. In the U.S., the iPhone Air outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge by about three times. The model’s success is attributed to its thin body and fresh design. Ookla’s data is based on Speedtest results.

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