iPhone Air Production Reportedly Slashed by Over 80%, Analyst Says — What’s Next for Apple’s Thinnest iPhone?

Apple’s iPhone Air launch in September 2025 was marked by excitement over its ultra-thin design and “Pro” level specs. Touted by CEO Tim Cook as a "new era" in performance and aesthetics, industry insiders expected the iPhone Air to quickly become a flagship favorite. However, within weeks, a series of reports from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and other sources confirmed dramatic cutbacks: Apple is slashing iPhone Air production capacity by more than 80% as global demand failed to meet expectations.​

Why Is iPhone Air Production Being Cut So Drastically?

Analyst Reports & Supply Chain Insights

• Ming-Chi Kuo and Nikkei Asia reveal that Apple ordered suppliers to reduce iPhone Air capacity by over 80% for Q1 2026, with some component lines discontinued altogether by year-end.​

• Starting in November 2025, the iPhone Air’s share of total iPhone 17 lineup production will drop below 10%, down from an initial 10–15%. Apple’s supply chain is rapidly reorienting towards higher-selling iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models.​

• This rapid shift closely mirrors the fate of the iPhone Mini and iPhone Plus — popular at launch but later scaled back due to lukewarm consumer response.

What Caused the Weak Demand?

• Despite stellar hardware specs, consumers prioritize advanced camera, battery life, and traditional features found in iPhone 17 and 17 Pro.​

• Surveys (KeyBanc Capital Markets, Oct 2025) show “virtually no demand” for iPhone Air, and minimal willingness to pay for ultra-thin or foldable phones.​

• Early momentum in China faded quickly, while demand in other markets was weaker still, leading to stock shrinking by over 80%.​

Industry Reactions: Apple’s Strategy & The Broader Market

Supply Chain Mastery

Apple’s dominance in supply chain management allows flexibility — swift cuts for underperforming models do not signal total failure. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo stress that this adjustment enables Apple to focus on the more popular, profitable models.​

Comparisons with Android Rivals

• Samsung’s competing ultra-thin Galaxy Edge also saw production halted after sluggish sales, suggesting the entire category faces challenges.​

• AI features touted for iPhone Air and competitors have yet to drive meaningful consumer interest.​

Pricing & Consumer Options

At launch:

• iPhone Air 256GB/12GB RAM: £999
• iPhone Air 512GB/12GB RAM: £1,199​

With production cuts, pricing and stock availability are expected to fluctuate — leading to potential deals on remaining inventory through Q1 2026.

What Does This Mean for Future iPhone Air Models?

• Multiple sources speculate this could be the only iPhone Air iteration unless Apple refines its strategy or finds new appeal for thin-design smartphones.​

• Apple is ramping up production for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro by 5 million units, reaffirming demand for these lines.​

• Future plans may pivot towards advanced foldables or next-generation features, especially if consumer attitudes shift.

Updated Info & Recent Developments (Post-24 Oct 2025)

• By late October, retail and supply stock of iPhone Air continues to decline.

• Tariff tensions and global economic uncertainty have not deterred overall iPhone 17 sales — the baseline and Pro models outperform the Air by wide margins.​

• Apple’s shift may free resources for rapid development of foldable iPhones, anticipated with the iPhone 18 series in late 2026.​

Practical Advice for Consumers

• If you’re considering the iPhone Air, act quickly — inventory is vanishing and model discontinuation is possible.

• Alternative choices: The standard and Pro models now offer improved features and robust support.

• Watch for price drops and bundled deals as retailers clear Air stock.

Expert Round-Up & Market Outlook

• Ming-Chi Kuo: “Most suppliers will reduce capacity by more than 80% by Q1 of 2026.”

• KeyBanc Capital Markets: “Very limited willingness to pay for thin-design smartphones or foldables.”

• Apple continues to emphasize flexibility, maintaining strong forecasts for the entire iPhone 17 family despite challenges.​

Conclusion: Lessons Learned & The Road Ahead

The iPhone Air’s production cut reflects Apple’s willingness to pivot quickly when a new product underperforms — a testament to its supply chain prowess, not a weakness. Consumers now have more robust options in the iPhone lineup, while Apple gathers market data to shape its next innovation wave. As the company sets eyes on foldables and advanced AI features, only time will tell if thin-design smartphones will get a second chance — or fade quietly into tech history.

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