Apple Reportedly Cuts iPhone Air Production Amid Slow Sales

Apple is reducing production of its new iPhone Air. This news comes from a report by Mizuho Securities in Japan. The move follows lower-than-expected sales for the device.

Analysts shared this information via the Korean publication The Elec. The decision highlights a sales imbalance within the new iPhone 17 lineup. While other models are thriving, the iPhone Air is falling short.

Strong Sales for Pro and Standard Models Offset Air’s Weakness

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are selling well. Their sales are higher than last year’s Pro models. The standard iPhone 17 is also a major success.

It is performing significantly better than the previous iPhone 16. This creates a clear split in consumer preference. The iPhone Air is the only model struggling to meet targets.

Apple plans to cut iPhone Air production by one million units. This adjustment is for the remainder of the year. Meanwhile, production for all other models will increase by two million units.

The overall production forecast for the iPhone 17 series has been raised. It moved from 88 million to 94 million units. This shows strong total demand despite one model’s weakness.

Strategic Shift in a Competitive Smartphone Market

This production cut signals a quick response to market feedback. Apple is reallocating resources to its more popular devices. The strategy aims to maximize overall revenue.

The iPhone Air’s struggle is not an isolated event. Samsung reportedly canceled its Galaxy S25 Edge phone. This was also due to low sales in the same market segment.

Interestingly, the iPhone Air saw a different reception in China. It sold out within hours there. This contrasts sharply with its underwhelming performance in Western markets.

The broader smartphone market appears to be shifting. Consumers are showing a strong preference for either premium Pro devices or the value-oriented standard model. The mid-tier “Air” segment is facing challenges.

Apple’s production adjustment for the iPhone Air reflects a dynamic and competitive global smartphone landscape. The company is pivoting to meet stronger demand elsewhere in its lineup.

Info at your fingertips

Why is Apple cutting iPhone Air production?

Apple is making this move due to underwhelming sales performance. The device has not met initial sales expectations, especially in Western markets. This is based on analysis from Mizuho Securities.

How are the other iPhone 17 models selling?

The iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and standard model are all selling very well. Sales for the Pro models are up compared to last year. The standard iPhone 17 is a significant success.

What is the new total production forecast?

Apple has increased its overall iPhone 17 series production target. The new forecast is 94 million units, up from the initial 88 million. This indicates strong overall demand for the lineup.

Did the iPhone Air sell well anywhere?

Yes, the device saw much stronger demand in China. Reports indicate it sold out within hours there. Its sales issues appear to be concentrated in other regions.

Has this happened to other phone makers?

Yes, Samsung has faced a similar issue. The company reportedly canceled its Galaxy S25 Edge due to low sales. This suggests a broader trend in the market.

Trusted Sources

The Elec, Mizuho Securities, Reuters, Associated Press