iPhone Air Sales Slump Forces Rivals to Scrap Ultra-Thin Phone Projects

Poor sales of Apple’s iPhone Air are causing a major industry shift. Major Chinese smartphone makers are now canceling their own ultra-thin phone plans. This news comes from supply chain reports in Asia.

The device’s disappointing market performance has sent a clear signal to competitors. Companies like Xiaomi and Vivo are halting development to avoid a similar fate.

Supply Chain Cuts Signal Widespread Market Rejection

Apple’s supply chain has dramatically scaled back. Foxconn has dismantled its iPhone Air production lines. Another supplier, Luxshare, stopped all production in October.

According to Reuters, manufacturing cuts began shortly after the September launch. This indicates sustained weak consumer demand. The initial sales figures failed to meet expectations.

Competitors Pivot Away from Thin-Phone Strategy

Rival manufacturers are swiftly changing course. Xiaomi had planned a “true Air model” to compete directly. Vivo was targeting thinness in its mid-range S series.

Both companies have now halted these projects. They are reallocating resources like eSIM solutions to other product lines. This strategic pivot shows a rapid response to market feedback.

The iPhone Air’s 5.6 mm profile required significant compromises. It uses a smaller battery and a single rear camera. Yet it still carries a premium $999 starting price.

Consumers appear to view it as style over substance. For just $100 more, the iPhone 17 Pro offers a triple-lens camera and much better battery life. This value proposition has proven difficult for buyers.

Samsung faces a similar challenge with its Galaxy S25 Edge. The Korean company has reportedly cancelled the S26 Edge model. Production of the current S25 Edge has also been halted due to poor sales.

Apple Forced Back to the Drawing Board

The tepid response has forced Apple to rethink its strategy. A report from The Information claims the second-generation iPhone Air has been delayed. Apple is reportedly redesigning the device to potentially add a second camera and improve battery life.

This represents a significant setback for Apple’s design ambitions. The iPhone Air was the first major redesign since the iPhone X in 2017. The company had relied on its new look to generate consumer excitement.

The iPhone Air sales performance has created a ripple effect across the entire smartphone industry. Manufacturers are now reconsidering the pursuit of extreme thinness as a primary selling point. This market rejection may signal a return to prioritizing battery life and features over minimalist design.

Dropping this nugget your way

Which companies have cancelled their ultra-thin phones?

Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo have all halted development. Samsung has also cancelled its Galaxy S26 Edge model. These decisions followed the iPhone Air’s poor market performance.

Why did the iPhone Air sell poorly?

Consumers found it too expensive for its limited features. The $999 price was too close to the more capable iPhone 17 Pro. The smaller battery and single camera were significant trade-offs.

What changes is Apple making to the next model?

Apple has delayed the second-generation iPhone Air for a redesign. The company may add a second rear camera and improve battery life. These changes address the main criticisms of the current model.

How have Apple’s suppliers been affected?

Foxconn dismantled its production lines for the device. Luxshare stopped all manufacturing in October. These moves reflect the scaled-back production targets.

Will other companies still make thin phones?

Some may continue but with adjusted expectations. The focus has shifted from extreme thinness to balanced design. Most manufacturers are now prioritizing battery life and camera systems.