Apple has reportedly informed its supply-chain partners of plans to reduce production for the new iPhone Air, according to a report from Nikkei Asia citing people familiar with the matter. This development comes a week after rumors surfaced that Samsung might cancel its Galaxy S26 Edge due to low sales of the ultra-slim S25 Edge.
Despite the cutback for the Air model, Apple is maintaining its overall production forecast for the entire iPhone 17 lineup at approximately 85 to 90 million units. Sources indicated that production for the iPhone Air has been reduced to levels described as borderline “end of production.” The volume of the Air model is expected to be significantly lowered from November onward.
The iPhone Air originally accounted for 10 to 15 percent of all projected production orders for the iPhone 17 series. To compensate for the reduction, Apple has reportedly increased production for the base iPhone 17 by 5 million units and has also raised output for the Pro models.
Recent sales data from Counterpoint analysts helps explain the production shift. In the first 10 days of availability in the US and China, the iPhone 17 series outsold the iPhone 16 series by 14 percent. Sales of the base iPhone 17 saw a 31 percent increase, a surge attributed to the addition of an always-on, high-refresh-rate display. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models experienced a 12 percent sales increase, which the report connects to deep discounts offered through carrier upgrade deals.
Sales for the iPhone Air are reportedly similar to those of the iPhone 16 Plus, the model it replaced. Both the Air and the Plus represented the smallest portion of sales for their respective generations. In a review, The Verge praised the Air’s new design, quoting, “My overall impression using the Air is the same as with the S25 Edge: the slim profile might be the headline attraction, but the lighter weight is the real benefit.” The review also pointed out drawbacks, including its battery life and single-camera system when compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone Air is Apple’s first entry into the ultra-thin phone category and is considered by some to be a precursor to a rumored foldable iPhone.
