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Apple’s latest experiment with a slimmer smartphone hasn’t gone as planned. The iPhone Air, which was meant to bridge the gap between standard and Pro models, has failed to meet the company’s sales expectations. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the weaker-than-expected demand has forced Apple’s supply chain to cut back shipments and production.
Kuo reports that suppliers will reduce capacity by over 80 percent between now and the first quarter of 2026. Several component makers are also expected to halt production of parts with longer lead times before the end of 2025.
iPhone Air demand has fallen short of expectations, leading the supply chain to begin scaling back both shipments and production capacity. Most suppliers are expected to reduce capacity by more than 80% by 1Q26, while some components with longer lead times are expected to be…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) October 22, 2025
The disappointing performance suggests that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models already cover most of the high-end market, leaving little space for a new category. Kuo believes the iPhone Air’s lack of traction proves that Apple’s current flagship lineup satisfies premium users.
Other analysts have echoed the same sentiment. Apple plans to cut iPhone Air production by one million units due to slow sales. Meanwhile, others reported that there is “virtually no demand” for the model and that Apple will “drastically” scale down production in the coming months.
Interestingly, Apple’s main rival, Samsung, seems to be facing similar trouble. Reports suggest that weak sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge, a super-thin smartphone, pushed Samsung to cancel its next-generation model.
Apple has consistently seen strong sales for its standard and Pro iPhone models, but the company has struggled to fill its fourth lineup slot. The 5.4-inch iPhone mini failed to gain traction, while the larger iPhone Plus, a cheaper alternative to the Pro Max, also disappointed. The iPhone Air, with its 5.6 mm thin design, tried to emphasize lightness over performance but failed to attract buyers.
Despite the setback, Apple isn’t giving up on innovation. Rumors suggest the company may unveil a foldable iPhone as part of the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026, signaling its next major design shift.
