Apple Cuts iPhone Air Orders to End of Production Levels

Key Takeaways

1. The iPhone Air is underperforming in various markets, leading to significant production cuts shortly after its release.
2. iPhone Air now accounts for less than 10% of Apple’s smartphone orders, down from 15%.
3. Total iPhone production remains stable due to strong sales of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models.
4. The iPhone 17 features a new 120 Hz ProMotion display and has received a positive review rating of 88%.
5. The iPhone Air’s decline may indicate a shift towards developing a foldable iPhone expected to launch in 2026.

The slimmest iPhone of this generation might soon disappear.

Reports indicate that the iPhone Air is not performing well in various markets, leading Apple to significantly cut production orders for this new model just about a month after it was released. Sources close to Apple’s production lines, as reported by Nikkei Asia, suggest that the iPhone Air now represents under 10% of all smartphone orders from Apple, a noticeable drop from its earlier 15% share in iPhone manufacturing.

Production Levels Decline

One insider mentioned that this diminished figure suggests the Air is nearing its “end of production” phase.

In a twist, total iPhone production orders are mostly stable. This is largely due to the overwhelming success of the base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro, both of which have surpassed sales predictions. The iPhone 17 features a new 120 Hz ProMotion display, a technology that used to be exclusive to the pricier Pro and Pro Max versions, along with other attractive features like enhanced storage for the base model. For context, the iPhone 17 earned an impressive 88% rating in our review.

Future Prospects

While the reduced orders for the iPhone Air might hint at no future models, Nikkei cites three insiders who claim the main aim of the iPhone Air was to “strategically pave the way for the first foldable iPhone,” which is expected to launch in 2026.

On a brighter note, Nikkei reports that there are no wait times for the iPhone Air, unlike the several weeks consumers are facing for other models.