In October 2025, the Apple iPhone Air model became the center of extensive discussions concerning potential adjustments to its production plans, as market demand failed to meet initial expectations. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, along with reports from the supply chain, suggested that by the first quarter of 2026, the production capacity of the iPhone Air could see a reduction of over 80%. Moreover, there were indications that the production of certain components for the iPhone Air might come to a halt before the end of 2025. In response, Apple has reportedly redirected its production efforts towards the iPhone 17 series. The plan entails slashing iPhone Air production by roughly 1 million units, while simultaneously ramping up the production of the iPhone 17 series by 2 million units. Market analysts have pointed out that the iPhone Air's lukewarm reception can be primarily attributed to several factors. Its sleek design, while aesthetically pleasing, has led to compromises in battery life and camera specifications. Additionally, the limited domestic adoption of eSIM functionality has posed a challenge. Furthermore, the product's positioning remains unclear, with pricing that fails to stand out in a competitive market. On the contrary, the iPhone 17 series has exhibited robust market performance. Pre-order demand for this series has outstripped that of its predecessors, compelling Apple to make dynamic adjustments to its product strategy in order to better align with evolving market demands.
