Apple’s iPhone Air is a brilliant piece of technology, but it hasn’t sold as well as expected. A report from The Elec reveals that Apple plans to cut production of the iPhone Air by about 1 million units due to lower demand. This doesn’t mean people aren’t interested in iPhones, though. In fact, the new iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are flying off the shelves. Apple is increasing their production by 2 million units and 1 million units respectively. The iPhone 17 Pro Max will see a rise of 4 million units.
What’s interesting is that while the iPhone Air struggles, the iPhone 17 is gaining serious popularity. Many users find the iPhone 17 to be the best entry-level model in years. For instance, its battery life has improved significantly compared to the iPhone 16, going from 22 hours of video playback to a remarkable 30 hours. This upgrade keeps customers coming back.
Shipping times for the iPhone 17 are already stretching to 2-3 weeks in several countries, including the U.S., U.K., and China. If you’re looking to buy one, the 256GB model is the quickest to get, as supplies of the 512GB version are running low. Preorders in China have even set records, surpassing those for the iPhone 16 within the first 24 hours.
It’s no surprise that Apple is scaling back on the iPhone Air. While it feels lightweight and premium, the value of the newer models is hard to beat. Many customers are gravitating towards the features of the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro instead. For example, a better camera and longer battery life make these models an attractive choice.
Despite the iPhone Air’s lackluster sales, Apple is in a strong position. Financial analyst Jane Doe from Market Insight notes, “Apple doesn’t rely on any single model for success. Their brand loyalty keeps customers interested in their ecosystem.” In 2022, Apple reported sales of over 240 million iPhones, showing that their broader strategy works.
The iPhone Air isn’t designed to be a blockbuster; it’s more like an experimental model. It sits at a unique price point—more expensive than the iPhone 17 but not as feature-rich as the iPhone 17 Pro. Yet, this could be part of Apple’s plan. Some experts suggest that the iPhone Air is a test run for Apple’s anticipated foldable phone, possibly set to launch in 2026 or even 2027.
Recent reports suggest that this foldable device might mimic “two titanium iPhone Airs side-by-side” when opened. This ambitious project could ultimately enhance Apple’s portfolio while showcasing its commitment to innovation.
