Apple is notifying its supply-chain partners of plans to scale back production of the new iPhone Air. The decision follows reports of strong overall sales for the iPhone 17 lineup and comes amid rumors of Samsung canceling its own slim phone.
According to sources familiar with company operations cited by Nikkei Asia, Apple is maintaining its total production forecast for the entire iPhone 17 family at approximately 85 to 90 million units. However, within that total, production orders specifically for the iPhone Air have been significantly reduced to levels described as borderline “end of production.” This change in manufacturing volume will reportedly take effect from November onward. Initially, the iPhone Air model was projected to represent between 10 and 15 percent of all production orders for the iPhone 17 generation, according to supply-chain managers.
In response to market demand, Apple is reallocating its manufacturing capacity. The company has reportedly increased its production order for the base iPhone 17 model by 5 million units. In addition to this specific increase, Apple has also raised the production targets for its premium iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, shifting resources away from the underperforming Air.
Market data from analysts at Counterpoint indicates that the iPhone 17 series outsold the previous iPhone 16 series by 14 percent during the first 10 days of availability in the United States and China. This growth was not uniform across all models. Sales of the base iPhone 17 experienced a substantial 31 percent increase, a performance attributed to the inclusion of an always-on, high-refresh-rate display. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models saw a combined sales increase of 12 percent, which the survey connected to deep discounts offered through carrier upgrade deals.
Sales figures for the iPhone Air are reportedly similar to those of the iPhone 16 Plus, the model it replaced in the product lineup. Both the Air and its predecessor accounted for the smallest portion of sales in their respective device generations. In a review for The Verge, Allison Johnson praised the new model’s design, stating that “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 noted the device’s battery life and single-camera system as drawbacks 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.
