The year 2025 began with smartphone enthusiasts buzzing about a new wave of ultra-slim devices, as both Samsung and Apple introduced their sleekest flagships yet. Samsung led the charge with the Galaxy S25 Edge, a slender handset that promised style and innovation but failed to capture much attention in the market. By September, Apple followed suit with the launch of the iPhone Air, which initially made headlines for its thin and elegant design. However, the excitement appears to have fizzled out quickly as early sales figures painted a disappointing picture.
According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, demand for the iPhone Air has been far below expectations, prompting the company to make major adjustments to its production strategy. Reports now suggest that Apple’s supply chain will scale back iPhone Air manufacturing by nearly 80 percent through the first quarter of 2026. Some suppliers have also been instructed to halt production of certain components by the end of 2025, indicating that the model’s future could be uncertain.
The lackluster performance of the iPhone Air stands in stark contrast to the success of other models in the lineup. Kuo noted that customers have shown far greater interest in the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, both of which are experiencing strong sales momentum. These models are likely to fill the void left by the Air’s underperformance.
A separate report from Nikkei Asia revealed that Apple has actually boosted production of the standard iPhone 17 by five million units after witnessing a 31 percent jump in sales compared to last year’s iPhone 16. The surge in demand is credited to several key upgrades, including a 120Hz ProMotion display, dual 48MP cameras, and an enhanced processor.
The iPhone 17 Pro series has also seen a bump in production, further reinforcing Apple’s shift in focus toward its more popular models. With the Air joining the ranks of Apple’s less successful experiments like the Mini and Plus variants, the company now appears to be setting its sights on the next big frontier — foldable smartphones. Industry insiders say Apple is working on its first foldable iPhone, though the final design and hardware details are still being refined before the device’s expected debut next year.
