Here’s an actual hot take compared to the sentiment in this discussion: this will be the best selling iPhone ever.

Specs wise sure, I’d also love a bigger battery than it being thin*. But the iPhone has been an unbelievable fashion statement, and this insanely sexy iPhone will be the strongest yet.

I’m pretty sure when it comes out, people will actually hold it in their hands and the sentiment will turn. Not talking to you tech nerds, but for the other 99% of the world.

I remember this take when the iPhone X came out, which incidentally also felt like the first year (here in the US) where Apple was truly detested, publicly. Instagram and Twitter were chock-full of memes like "999x Kinder Chocolate or 1x iPhone X?" and the notch/design overhaul met a pretty lukewarm reception. The agony of yearly upgrades really set in, then.

It's not impossible for this to take off, but I won't hold my breath. It's a small gamble that could go either way.

I would be surprised, but not very surprised.

I think the price point above the 17 and close to the 17 Pro gives it less appeal, but I guess it does make it more "premium" too.

I definitely don't think you're out of left field.