**iPhone Air: A Triumph in a Competitive Landscape**
Based on cellular network statistics from Ookla, the iPhone Air has positioned itself as a major contender in the smartphone arena, exhibiting nearly double the popularity of the iPhone 16 Plus during the release period of the iPhone 17. Although it ranks as the least favored model in the iPhone 17 series, the Air’s sales figures have exceeded those of its predecessor, the Plus variant.
The data provided by Ookla stems from crowdsourced cellular network evaluations, particularly through the Speedtest application utilized on iPhones. The comparison of sales figures for the iPhone Air and iPhone Plus relies on the quantity of Speedtest samples collected for each device. In the launch window of the iPhone 16 in late 2024, the iPhone 16 Plus made up less than 3% of usage, significantly falling behind the base iPhone 16 at 5.9% and the Pro and Pro Max versions, which claimed 34% and 56% respectively.
During the corresponding period of 2026, the shares of the base iPhone 17 and Pro Max remained consistent compared to their iPhone 16 equivalents. In contrast, the iPhone Air experienced a significant upsurge, reaching 6.8% of usage—nearly threefold that of the Plus model. This increase seems to be at the cost of the 17 Pro, which saw its share drop from 34.9% to 30.6%.
The iPhone Air’s performance positions it near the base iPhone 17, although it is probable that early adopters and tech enthusiasts constitute a substantial segment of Air purchasers, possibly expanding the divide between the Air and the base model over time.
The iPhone Air’s achievements are noteworthy, especially in light of Apple’s earlier efforts to establish a distinct fourth model with the Mini and Plus, which ultimately did not meet expectations. The Air appears to have effectively established a niche in the market.
Regionally, demand for the iPhone Air exhibits considerable variance. While the percentages noted pertain specifically to the U.S. market, the Air has secured higher shares in other nations, such as 11.2% in South Korea, and has also gained traction in Japan, Sweden, and Singapore.
In a competitive market, the iPhone Air has surpassed the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, recording over three times the usage samples domestically.
From a technological standpoint, the iPhone Air is equipped with Apple’s C1X modem, representing a significant upgrade over the original C1. The Air’s download rates on 5G are comparable to those attained by Qualcomm modems in the iPhone 17 Pro models, while still falling slightly short in upload speeds. For additional details, further charts and data can be accessed on Ookla’s blog.
In summary, the iPhone Air’s achievements in sales and technology underscore its success as a model that resonates with consumers, signaling a positive progression for Apple in the competitive smartphone market.