Apple iPhone Air faces major production cuts after weak demand

Weak demand for the ultra-thin iPhone Air has forced Apple’s suppliers to cut production by more than 80%, raising doubts about the company’s thin-phone strategy and hinting at a possible pivot toward foldable designs.

Ayush Mukherjee

October 25, 2025 / 12:30 IST

Apple iPhone Air

Apple’s latest experiment with the ultra-thin iPhone Air appears to have backfired, as suppliers are now slashing production by over 80%, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The sharp reduction signals that demand for the lightweight iPhone has fallen far short of Apple’s expectations, with supply chain partners already scaling back shipments through early 2026. Components with longer lead times are also expected to be discontinued by the end of next year.

Kuo noted that the disappointing performance of the iPhone Air suggests little appetite for new market segments between Apple’s standard and Pro models. He added that the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro already meet most high-end user needs, leaving minimal room for an additional premium variant.

Reports from multiple sources support the analyst’s assessment. Japan’s Mizuho Securities recently claimed Apple would cut iPhone Air production by one million units due to sluggish sales, while Nikkei described demand as “virtually non-existent,” saying Apple plans to “drastically” scale back manufacturing.

The iPhone Air was positioned as Apple’s thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, featuring a 5.6mm design that sacrificed certain features for portability. However, it appears that consumers have not been drawn to the form factor, echoing the poor reception of earlier experiments like the compact iPhone mini and the more affordable iPhone Plus. Both failed to gain lasting traction in Apple’s four-model lineup.

Even Samsung, Apple’s key rival, is reportedly facing similar challenges. The company’s super-slim Galaxy S25 Edge has underperformed, leading to the cancellation of its next-generation model, according to industry reports.