Apple is 'drastically' cutting production of the iPhone Air and shifting focus toward the iPhone and iPhone 17 Pro models, reports Nikkei Asia. The report indicates that iPhone Air production is facing a significant reduction, reportedly approaching “end-of-production levels,” due to weaker-than-anticipated consumer demand. While early reports suggested the iPhone Air sold out within hours of its launch in China, overall reception in the region appears to have been muted.
The report says Apple will significantly cut production of the iPhone Air following disappointing sales, as customers appear to be lining up for the more traditional iPhone 17 and beefier iPhone 17 Pro.
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The report comes just weeks after the iPhone Air launched in China, suggesting that demand outside the Chinese market is particularly soft for Apple’s thinnest and lightest phone to date. A recent investor-focused survey by KeyBanc Capital Markets suggests “virtually no demand” for the iPhone Air and only limited consumer interest in foldable models.
The research indicates that demand for other iPhone 17 variants remains robust, with a clear shift toward the Pro and Pro Max models. KeyBanc also highlighted that AI features have yet to significantly impact purchasing decisions, despite Apple’s emphasis on AI across its latest events and marketing campaigns.
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The iPhone Air packs a punch despite its slim profile. It features a 48-megapixel rear camera—the same main sensor found in the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro—and offers Apple’s touted “all-day” battery life. While its battery doesn’t quite match the endurance of its higher-end counterparts, Apple has introduced a $99 MagSafe battery pack that can extend usage up to 40 hours.
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However, early signs suggest demand for the iPhone Air may be weaker than expected. The phone remains immediately available for shipment on Apple’s website across all colors, in contrast to the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, which face shipping delays of two to three weeks.
The device’s challenges echo struggles seen in the broader smartphone market. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, for instance, sold just 1.31 million units through August—far below its siblings, the S25 (8.28 million), S25 Plus (5.05 million), and S25 Ultra (12.18 million). Low sales reportedly prompted Samsung to halt production of the S25 Edge and cancel the upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge.
The report says Apple will significantly cut production of the iPhone Air following disappointing sales, as customers appear to be lining up for the more traditional iPhone 17 and beefier iPhone 17 Pro.
ALSO READ: Manhattan-sized interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS emits mysterious metal alloy never seen on Earth, claims Harvard scientist
Apple iPhone air a failure?
Demand for Apple’s latest device appears to be sharply declining. Sources cited by Nikkei reveal that the tech giant is scaling back iPhone Air production to near “end-of-production” levels. One supply chain manager noted that starting in November, production orders will drop to “less than 10% of the volume compared with September.”The report comes just weeks after the iPhone Air launched in China, suggesting that demand outside the Chinese market is particularly soft for Apple’s thinnest and lightest phone to date. A recent investor-focused survey by KeyBanc Capital Markets suggests “virtually no demand” for the iPhone Air and only limited consumer interest in foldable models.
The research indicates that demand for other iPhone 17 variants remains robust, with a clear shift toward the Pro and Pro Max models. KeyBanc also highlighted that AI features have yet to significantly impact purchasing decisions, despite Apple’s emphasis on AI across its latest events and marketing campaigns.
ALSO READ: JPMorgan Chase’s new $3 billion 60-story headquarters in Manhattan has 19 restaurants and a smart coffee ordering app
iPhone air is Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever
Apple’s newly launched iPhone Air, which hit stores in September with a starting price of $999, is the company’s thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm—smaller than a standard pencil. Despite its titanium frame, the device is remarkably light, marking the lightest iPhone since the 2020 release of the iPhone 12 mini.The iPhone Air packs a punch despite its slim profile. It features a 48-megapixel rear camera—the same main sensor found in the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro—and offers Apple’s touted “all-day” battery life. While its battery doesn’t quite match the endurance of its higher-end counterparts, Apple has introduced a $99 MagSafe battery pack that can extend usage up to 40 hours.
ALSO READ: Miss Panama suffers humiliating onstage blunder at Miss Grand International pageant, awkward mix-up goes viral
However, early signs suggest demand for the iPhone Air may be weaker than expected. The phone remains immediately available for shipment on Apple’s website across all colors, in contrast to the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, which face shipping delays of two to three weeks.
The device’s challenges echo struggles seen in the broader smartphone market. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, for instance, sold just 1.31 million units through August—far below its siblings, the S25 (8.28 million), S25 Plus (5.05 million), and S25 Ultra (12.18 million). Low sales reportedly prompted Samsung to halt production of the S25 Edge and cancel the upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge.
