iPhone Air Production Slashed to Near Shutdown Levels, Says Nikkei

Apple is reportedly scaling back production of the iPhone Air to almost “end of production” levels, according to a new report by Nikkei Asia. The move follows weaker-than-expected demand for the company’s thinnest and lightest iPhone ever.

Apple Cuts iPhone Air Orders After Weak Sales

Nikkei’s report cites multiple supply chain sources who say Apple has drastically reduced iPhone Air orders starting in November, to less than 10% of what was produced in September. This scale of reduction is typically seen only when a product is nearing the end of its life cycle.

The iPhone Air, launched in September with a starting price of $999, was Apple’s boldest hardware redesign in years. It measured just 5.6mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever built. Despite the ultra-thin titanium frame, it carried the same 48MP main camera found in the iPhone 17 lineup and offered what Apple called “all-day battery life.” But it appears these design cues weren’t enough to convince most buyers.

Demand Shifts Toward iPhone 17 and 17 Pro

According to Nikkei, Apple’s supply chain data shows stronger demand for the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, prompting the company to increase their production instead. Two sources told the outlet that Apple added about five million more units for the iPhone 17 and boosted orders for the 17 Pro to meet growing demand.

A survey by KeyBanc Capital Markets also points to the same trend — “virtually no demand” for the iPhone Air and a continuing shift toward the Pro models. The survey noted that Apple’s new AI features have yet to influence purchase decisions in any meaningful way.

Immediate Availability a Clear Signal of Weak Demand

Unlike most iPhone launches, where delivery times stretch into weeks, the iPhone Air has remained instantly available since day one. Whether ordered online or picked up in-store, shipping times have not changed, a clear indicator that demand is soft.

Market analysts like Morgan Stanley and Counterpoint Research earlier predicted the same outcome. Both firms highlighted strong sales for the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max, while production of the iPhone Air remained flat. Even in China, where early reports suggested the model was selling well, demand has now cooled.

Analysts Compare iPhone Air to Samsung’s Edge Series

The iPhone Air’s struggle has drawn comparisons to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, which faced a similar fate earlier this year. After low sales figures, Samsung reportedly canceled plans for a Galaxy S26 Edge. Analysts suggest both Apple and Samsung have learned that buyers still prioritize battery life, cameras, and performance over thinness.

Despite the steep drop in iPhone Air orders, Apple’s total iPhone production remains on track with forecasts. The company’s stronger sales of the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro have helped balance out the weak performance of the Air. Japan’s Mizuho Securities estimates that Apple will reduce iPhone Air output by one million units this year while increasing iPhone 17 production by around two million units.

In short, Apple seems to be quietly shifting its focus toward the models people actually want, and for now, that means the Air is running out of breath.