Reports from supply chains hint that Apple may be adjusting its production targets once again. The thinnest iPhone ever created, known as the iPhone Air, is apparently struggling to meet initial expectations. Industry analysis from South Korea suggests that the company could be trimming its output by roughly one million units, following slower-than-anticipated market traction.
| Image credit: Apple
- Apple may cut iPhone Air production by one million units due to slower demand.
- iPhone 17 series production is rising, with Pro models seeing the biggest boost.
- The iPhone Air is ultra-thin at 5.6mm, but battery and camera trade-offs remain.
- Strong demand for iPhone 17 models keeps shipment times extended worldwide.
- iPhone Air might be groundwork for Apple’s foldable iPhone, possibly launching in 2027.
Reports from supply chains hint that Apple may be adjusting its production targets once again. The thinnest iPhone ever created, known as the iPhone Air, is apparently struggling to meet initial expectations. Industry analysis from South Korea suggests that the company could be trimming its output by roughly one million units, following slower-than-anticipated market traction.
Interestingly, while the Air sees reduced orders, Apple appears to be ramping up production for its next flagship series. The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to see a notable increase — about two million extra units in total — with the Pro and Pro Max versions reportedly accounting for most of that boost. Analysts suggest that consumers are showing more confidence in the established models rather than experimenting with Apple’s latest design experiment.
The iPhone Air entered the scene as Apple’s answer to years of feedback calling for something different — a sleeker, slimmer, more elegant iPhone that still carried the familiar performance pedigree. At just 5.6mm thick, it edges out the iPhone 6’s record and stands nearly a fifth thinner. It houses a 48MP Fusion camera, a lightweight aluminium chassis, and a battery capacity hovering around 3100mAh depending on the variant. Apple promises full-day use despite the reduced size, though real-world results vary among users.
Apple positioned the iPhone Air at a premium price point, starting at $999, with a monthly financing option stretching across two years. The lack of a separate telephoto or ultra-wide lens places its photography abilities slightly behind the Pro range, though the main sensor aims to compensate with improved image processing. Despite this, the Air’s design itself remains its biggest talking point, offering a distinctive feel that separates it from any previous generation.
| Image credit: Apple
Sales figures, however, tell a different story. Demand for the Air has been overshadowed by the success of the iPhone 17 series, which now includes several Pro-level features. The addition of a ProMotion display with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz has turned the base model into a fan favourite. Moreover, battery endurance has taken a considerable leap — up to 30 hours of video playback — which makes the new standard iPhone a compelling purchase over the thinner Air.
Apple’s supply partners have noted that shipment times for the iPhone 17 remain extended in major markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, and parts of Europe. This backlog indicates that interest in the mainline models is holding steady, even as Apple diversifies its product strategy.
As for the Air’s long-term purpose, some insiders believe it was never meant to dominate sales charts. Instead, the device could represent Apple’s internal groundwork for the much-anticipated foldable iPhone. Industry chatter claims that the design foundations of the iPhone Fold resemble two iPhone Air units joined together. Initial expectations suggested a release within the next year, but more recent reports point to a potential delay until 2027 as Apple continues refining its hinge system and display durability.
The Air received moderate critical scores, averaging around 7.4 out of 10. Reviewers praised its ultra-thin design and bright display but cited shortcomings such as underwhelming audio performance, a warm operating temperature during prolonged use, and limited camera versatility. It is currently available in four colours — Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue — all carrying a distinct sheen that complements the phone’s lightweight frame.
Apple’s experiment with the iPhone Air may not have rewritten the company’s fortunes in sales figures, but it undoubtedly reshaped how thin and refined an iPhone could be. Whether the concept evolves into something enduring or remains a stepping stone toward the foldable era will be determined in the years ahead — by users, not hype.