According to Nikkei Asia, Apple is "significantly" cutting iPhone Air production and shifting focus to iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models. The business publication claims that iPhone Air production has been slashed to almost "discontinuation" levels due to lower-than-expected consumer interest.
Although Nikkei declined to reveal the specific extent of the production cuts or affected suppliers, it said Apple's supply chain may see changes in the coming months. Despite previous reports that the iPhone Air sold out within hours in China, the overall response in the region appears to have been lukewarm.
A new survey of investors from KeyBanc Capital Markets shows "little demand for the iPhone Air and limited willingness to buy foldable phones."
Demand for other iPhone 17 models is said to be healthy but cautious, with "a continued shift toward Pro and Pro Max models." Furthermore, AI capabilities have yet to have a material impact on purchasing decisions.
Last week, Japan's Mizuho Securities said Apple would reduce iPhone Air production by 1 million units this year. Meanwhile, Apple apparently plans to increase iPhone 17 production by 2 million units. Another report claims that Samsung has scrapped plans to release a successor to its iPhone Air rival, the Galaxy S25 Edge, due to sluggish sales.
