Apple cuts production of iPhone Air due to ‘virtually no demand’

The iPhone Air, Apple's thinnest iPhone, released on Sept. 9, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

According to Nikkei Asia, production orders for the iPhone Air have been cut to "end of production" levels, with output in November expected to decrease by 10% compared to September. Initially, the iPhone Air was expected to account for 10-15% of Apple’s total iPhone production in 2025 and was seen as a strategic move to pave the way for its first foldable iPhone, set for release in 2026.

Although it sold out minutes after pre-orders opened in China last week following Apple CEO Tim Cook’s livestream promotion on Douyin, analysts believe the surge in demand was temporary. They predict a sharp decline in sales in other markets.

A new survey from KeyBanc Capital Markets reveals "virtually no demand for iPhone Air and a limited willingness to pay for foldable", as reported by MacRumors.

Meanwhile, demand for the iPhone 17 series appears stronger. Some sources indicate that Apple has raised its iPhone order volume from 88 million to 94 million units, increasing orders for the 17 Pro by one million, the 17 by two million, and the 17 Pro Max by four million units, while cutting one million iPhone Air units, Apple Insider reported.

According to a consumer survey by Apple Insider in early October, the 17 Pro Max was the most popular with 33% market share, followed by the 17 Pro and 17. The iPhone Air, however, holds only a 2% market share and is not among the top five most popular models.

In addition to weak demand, some surveys suggest that the AI features integrated into the 17 have not yet provided a compelling enough reason for consumers to make a purchase.