Apple is dramatically cutting production of iPhone Air following weak demand outside China, according to a report by Nikkei Asia . Apple launched iPhone Air in September 2025, along with iPhone 17 lineup. The most striking feature of the iPhone Air is its ‘Pro’ specs in a thin design. At the launch, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted iPhone Air's ability to deliver “pro performance in a thin and light design.” It essentially replaces the ‘Plus’ series, signalling a major shift in the company’s philosophy.
Apple cutting iPhone Air orders to near "end of production" levels, increasing iPhone 17
The company will slash manufacturing orders to near "end of production" levels starting in November, despite maintaining strong overall sales for its iPhone 17 lineup.
Production orders for the iPhone Air will drop to less than 10% of September volumes beginning in November, multiple supply chain sources told Nikkei Asia. The ultra-thin model originally accounted for roughly 10% to 15% of overall iPhone 17 production plans, but lukewarm reception has forced Apple to redirect resources toward more popular models.
Strong sales for standard iPhone 17 model offset Air's struggles
Apple has increased production orders for the baseline iPhone 17 by approximately 5 million units and also boosted orders for the iPhone 17 Pro, sources told Nikkei. The company is sticking with its production forecast of 85 million to 90 million units for the iPhone 17 lineup as a whole, defying broader market weakness and ongoing tariff tensions.
A KeyBanc Capital Markets survey found "virtually no demand for iPhone Air, and limited willingness to pay for a foldable", while demand for other iPhone 17 models remains healthy. The iPhone Air has remained immediately available for shipment on Apple's website across all colours since launch, while the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro show shipping delays of two to three weeks.
China provides rare bright spot despite global weakness
The picture looks different in China, however. The iPhone Air only went on sale in China last week after delays caused by Beijing's strict rules on eSIM technology, and the South China Morning Post reported the device sold out within minutes of Friday's launch, with online shipments delayed by one to two weeks.
The iPhone Air's struggles mirror those of Samsung 's Galaxy S25 Edge, which the company reportedly canceled plans to continue after the device sold only 1.31 million units as of August. Both companies appear to have overestimated consumer willingness to sacrifice battery life and camera capabilities for ultra-thin designs, even as the iPhone Air is seen as strategically paving the way for the first foldable iPhone, expected to debut in 2026.
Apple cutting iPhone Air orders to near "end of production" levels, increasing iPhone 17
The company will slash manufacturing orders to near "end of production" levels starting in November, despite maintaining strong overall sales for its iPhone 17 lineup.
Production orders for the iPhone Air will drop to less than 10% of September volumes beginning in November, multiple supply chain sources told Nikkei Asia. The ultra-thin model originally accounted for roughly 10% to 15% of overall iPhone 17 production plans, but lukewarm reception has forced Apple to redirect resources toward more popular models.
Strong sales for standard iPhone 17 model offset Air's struggles
Apple has increased production orders for the baseline iPhone 17 by approximately 5 million units and also boosted orders for the iPhone 17 Pro, sources told Nikkei. The company is sticking with its production forecast of 85 million to 90 million units for the iPhone 17 lineup as a whole, defying broader market weakness and ongoing tariff tensions.
A KeyBanc Capital Markets survey found "virtually no demand for iPhone Air, and limited willingness to pay for a foldable", while demand for other iPhone 17 models remains healthy. The iPhone Air has remained immediately available for shipment on Apple's website across all colours since launch, while the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro show shipping delays of two to three weeks.
China provides rare bright spot despite global weakness
The picture looks different in China, however. The iPhone Air only went on sale in China last week after delays caused by Beijing's strict rules on eSIM technology, and the South China Morning Post reported the device sold out within minutes of Friday's launch, with online shipments delayed by one to two weeks.
The iPhone Air's struggles mirror those of Samsung 's Galaxy S25 Edge, which the company reportedly canceled plans to continue after the device sold only 1.31 million units as of August. Both companies appear to have overestimated consumer willingness to sacrifice battery life and camera capabilities for ultra-thin designs, even as the iPhone Air is seen as strategically paving the way for the first foldable iPhone, expected to debut in 2026.
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