Apple is reportedly reducing production of the new iPhone Air, just days after rumors suggested Samsung might cancel its own slim smartphone model due to weak sales.
According to a report from Nikkei Asia, Apple has told supply chain partners that it will cut production of the iPhone Air to nearly “end of production” levels, even though the company is not changing its total planned output for the full iPhone 17 lineup. Apple still expects to produce around 85 to 90 million units in total.
The iPhone Air is Apple’s first attempt at an ultra-thin phone. Its new design caught attention for being slimmer and lighter than other models, offering a comfortable feel in the hand. Reviewers appreciated this fresh approach, but some users were disappointed by its weaker battery life and single rear camera, especially when compared to the more advanced iPhone 17 Pro. Even though the slim shape is eye-catching, it may not be enough to convince most buyers to choose it over other models with better features. Some believe the Air could be an early step toward a future foldable iPhone.
When production estimates were first planned, the iPhone Air was expected to make up around 10 to 15 percent of the total iPhone 17 lineup. Now, insiders say Apple is scaling back production beginning in November. At the same time, Apple has reportedly increased production of the base iPhone 17 by an extra 5 million units and boosted output of the Pro models to meet higher demand.
Early sales reports show that the iPhone 17 lineup is off to a strong start. Analysts at Counterpoint say sales during the first 10 days in the United States and China were up by 14 percent compared to last year’s iPhone 16 series. The standard iPhone 17 performed especially well, with a 31 percent increase in sales. Reviewers say new features like the always-on, high-refresh-rate display have helped draw more buyers. Carrier upgrade deals offering deep discounts also helped push sales for the Pro and Pro Max models, which saw a 12 percent increase.
Meanwhile, the iPhone Air is reportedly selling at about the same level as last year’s iPhone 16 Plus, which was the slowest-selling model of its generation. This trend suggests that most customers prefer better battery life, more advanced cameras, and stronger performance, even if the device is slightly thicker or heavier. With demand shifting toward the other models, Apple appears to be quietly stepping back from its ultra-thin experiment, leaving the future of the Air uncertain.
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