Apple’s “iPhone Air” Falters: Production Nearly Halted Amid Weak Demand

As Apple’s sleek new iPhone Air officially hit the Chinese market, it quickly became one of the most discussed iPhones in recent months — but not necessarily for the right reasons. Behind the initial buzz lies a worrying trend: the iPhone Air is reportedly suffering from sluggish sales and massive production cuts.

According to Nikkei Asia, sources familiar with Apple’s supply chain revealed that due to weak demand, the company has significantly reduced iPhone Air orders, with some even claiming that “the total production forecast is now close to shutdown mode.” In contrast, demand for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models has exceeded expectations, prompting Apple to shift its production focus to those lines.

A survey by KeyBanc Capital Markets echoed these findings, showing that consumer interest in the iPhone Air is minimal. The same research also found that enthusiasm for a potential foldable iPhone remains limited among buyers.

The iPhone Air was Apple’s first attempt at a lightweight, ultra-thin iPhone, designed to attract users seeking portability and style. However, the trade-offs were significant: a smaller battery, a single rear camera, and the removal of the physical SIM slot — all of which reduced its practical appeal.

Apple had hoped the iPhone Air would revive sales after the sluggish performance of the iPhone 16 Plus, but the pricing strategy may have backfired. At ¥7,999 (around $1,100) for the 256GB model, buyers can pay just a bit more for the much stronger iPhone 17 Pro — or save money by opting for the iPhone 17, which offers better overall performance.

In short: the iPhone Air may be light in weight, but it’s also proving light on sales.