📉 Apple Scales Back iPhone Air Production
Just a week after reports surfaced that Samsung canceled its Galaxy S26 Edge due to weak demand for the ultra-slim S25 Edge, Apple is making similar moves with its own slim model — the iPhone Air.
According to Nikkei Asia, Apple has notified its supply chain partners that it will significantly reduce iPhone Air production starting November. While the company will maintain its overall iPhone 17 lineup production target of around 85–90 million units, insiders say the iPhone Air’s share will drop to “end-of-production” levels.
⚙️ The iPhone Air: Beautiful, But Not Perfect
Apple’s first ultra-thin smartphone — the iPhone Air — was praised for its lightweight and elegant design, but it also faced criticism for its shorter battery life and single rear camera.
In her review for The Verge, Allison Johnson noted,
“The slim profile might be the headline attraction, but the lighter weight is the real benefit.”
While the design turned heads, many users reportedly opted for the iPhone 17 or 17 Pro for better performance and battery life.
📈 iPhone 17 Sales Surge 14% Over Last Year
Despite the iPhone Air’s lukewarm performance, the iPhone 17 lineup overall is a major success.
Analysts at Counterpoint Research reported that iPhone 17 series sales rose 14% compared to the iPhone 16 lineup during the first 10 days of availability in the U.S. and China.
- 📊 Base iPhone 17 sales are up 31%, thanks to its new always-on, high-refresh-rate display.
- 💎 iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models saw a 12% bump, driven by carrier upgrade offers and strong preorders.
- 📱 Meanwhile, the iPhone Air is tracking similar sales figures to the iPhone 16 Plus, which it replaced — both being the least popular models in their lineups.
🔄 Apple Adjusts Production Strategy
To meet demand, Apple has reportedly increased base iPhone 17 production by 5 million units, while also boosting output for Pro models.
This aligns with Apple’s recent push toward premium models, which continue to drive profits and brand loyalty.
As for the iPhone Air, sources suggest its reduced production could signal the end of the line — or perhaps a transition toward the rumored foldable iPhone. Given Apple’s history of testing new designs before major product shifts, the Air might just be a stepping stone to something bigger (and bendier).
🔍 Final Thoughts: A Strategic Move or a Silent Exit?
Apple’s decision to scale back the iPhone Air could be seen as a strategic realignment, focusing on what sells best rather than abandoning innovation entirely.
The iPhone Air may not have soared in sales, but it proved that ultra-thin design still has an audience — and that Apple is willing to experiment ahead of its next big leap.
With foldable iPhone rumors heating up, the Air’s legacy might just live on in Apple’s next-generation devices.