Iphone air surpasses iphone 16 plus: apple's bold shift pays off
A surprising trend is emerging in the smartphone market: apple's new iPhone Air is proving far more popular than the iPhone 16 Plus. A new Ookla report reveals significant differences in user engagement, suggesting a shrewd strategic move by the company.
Iphone air gains ground, challenging apple's strategy
The data, based on Speedtest samples from around the globe, indicates the iPhone Air saw more than double the engagement of the iPhone 16 Plus during the last quarter of 2025. Notably, South Korea and Japan saw exceptional adoption of the Air, while Taiwan, Malaysia, and Poland showed considerably less interest.
While Ookla emphasizes that Speedtest data doesn't perfectly mirror sales figures, the shift is undeniable. The iPhone 16 Plus accounted for a meager 7% of its family's speed tests compared to the Air's 6.8% share.
This isn't necessarily a reflection of apple’s initial expectations for the Air, which was pitched as an “industry breakthrough.” However, the report strongly implies a second-generation iPhone Air is on the horizon, likely aiming to further erode the popularity of Pro-branded iPhones.
The iphone 17 pro faces stiff competition
The iPhone 17 Pro, despite its premium positioning, suffered the most from the Air’s rise. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, however, held a stronger position compared to the 16 Pro Max the previous year.
Interestingly, the iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, out-sampling it roughly 3-to-1 in the US and even more decisively in European markets. The S25 Edge, in fact, remains statistically negligible in many regions.
This data offers a glimpse into apple's evolving strategy. The question now is whether apple will continue down this path, potentially phasing out the Plus model entirely in favor of a slimmer, more agile lineup. The Galaxy S26 Edge, a rumored ultra-thin device from Samsung, is now looking increasingly unlikely. apple's bet on the Air, it seems, is paying off.
The iPhone 17, the standard 6.3-inch model, is expected to be the world’s best-selling mobile device this year. Yet, the performance of the