iPhone Air Production Slashed Amid Weak Demand

The iPhone Air is Apple’s most audacious smartphone design in years, but that doesn’t seem to be moving the needle for customers, who have clearly put a premium on high-end cameras and battery life. According to a new report by Nikkei Asia published Wednesday, Apple will substantially cut production of the iPhone Air following disappointing sales, as customers appear to be lining up for the more customary iPhone 17 and beefier iPhone 17 Pro.

Just how low is demand, exactly? According to Nikkei, which spoke to multiple sources briefed on the matter, Apple will slash iPhone Air production orders to nearly “end of production” levels. One supply chain manager said production orders, starting in November, will be “less than 10% of the volume compared with September.” Yikes.

This report comes just weeks after Apple launched the iPhone Air in China,even though this seems to suggest demand outside of the Chinese market is particularly weak for Apple’s thinnest and lightest phone yet.According to a survey by KeyBanc Capital Markets, there is “virtually no demand for iPhone Air, and limited willingness to pay for a foldable.” The survey, conducted for investors, found demand for other iPhone 17 models remains healthy, with the mix “continuing to shift toward Pro and Pro Max models.” KeyBanc also noted AI features have yet to meaningfully influence buying decisions, despite the smattering of AI mentions through Apple’s most