The idea of an iPhone still as a status symbol in 2025 seems strange to me. I understood it in 2008. They are so commonplace and also not really that expensive where it is a financial flex like some watch that cost 10k+ or something.

Is iPhone still viewed as a status symbol?

Genuine question - maybe I'm too in my own bubble but it seems like iPhone just completely dominates the market and is viewed as the "default" phone, which to me implies status quo, not luxury.

I bought a new iPhone 13 for $200 a few months ago and I love it. It does everything I need by far. Newer iPhones take better pictures, yes, but the 13 is still no slouch in that regard.

> haul around a huge bulky phone

> chonker

Can't see the specs for the iPhone Air but it looks much larger than my SE 2022. I wish they would bring that form factor back. Obviously not as powerful as bigger iPhones so not useful for posing purposes.

I think you're making up a non existent issue.

On the other hand, the cameras on plateaus are real issues because they don't lay normally and the cameras are very easy to scratch.

Is there, in your experience, a group of people that consider a phone a substantial status symbol?

(Edit: Should have refreshed I see. Feel free to ignore.)

It doesn’t always have to be status. Apple is very good at withholding features from low end models to ensure everyone has that one thing they want that makes them go for the pro variant.

No one could tell the difference between the Max Pro and the cheaper Plus model in the previous years or even the SE.

The reason for the Max Pro is the larger screen and better battery life

Since when are iPhones status symbols?

Even the very poor all seem to have new-ish iPhones.

Also not sure what you're on about with "huge bulky phone".

Is it a status symbol when more than half of the people in all the cities around you in your country have an iPhone?

iPhone hasnt been a status symbol in many years. Its as mainstream as a Toyota Corolla.

Umm most people buy them for the hardware. On paper my 16e sounds really good but is crap compared to the 17 pros cameras plus photonic engine. Apple gimps software in non pros. I don't take alot of pics so I don't really care for the pro. Id rather get an old DSLR.