Apple’s latest experiment with a super-slim iPhone may be running out of air faster than expected. Just weeks after hitting stores, the iPhone Air is reportedly seeing sharp production cuts as global demand cools — a rare stumble for the world’s most tightly managed smartphone lineup.
According to a new report from Nikkei Asia, Apple has told suppliers to significantly scale back iPhone Air output, dropping its production share from around 15% of total iPhone builds to under 10%. Sources close to the matter suggest November output could shrink to less than one-tenth of September’s numbers — a sign that the model might quietly fade from shelves before year’s end.
The slowdown contrasts sharply with the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, which continues to perform strongly. Despite debuting later in China due to eSIM approval delays, the Air’s early enthusiasm didn’t translate abroad. Priced at $999, it sits just $100 below the Pro but offers less battery — a 3,149mAh unit — which many users see as a dealbreaker in 2025’s all-day battery race.
While the Air is readily available at most retailers, the Pro and Pro Max are facing weeks-long shipping delays thanks to strong demand. Analysts at KeyBanc say interest in ultra-thin phones has largely vanished, replaced by growing curiosity around foldables.
Industry insiders suggest the Air was always a stepping stone rather than a long-term product line. With Apple’s first foldable iPhone reportedly in advanced development for 2026, the company may already be shifting resources toward that next big leap. And who knows — maybe Apple was using the Air to test the limits of ultra-slim durability and ergonomics, both crucial for the upcoming iPhone Fold. It’s also possible Apple never expected the Air itself to be a big hit, but rather a quiet experiment in what comes next.
Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Comments