One Week In: Is the iPhone Air Failing to Impress Pre-Order Fans? Insights from 9to5Mac

Since pre-orders began last Friday, the delivery times for most iPhones have quickly stretched to 2-4 weeks. The only exception is the iPhone Air, which is still available for launch day delivery, with just one configuration experiencing a delay.

Earlier this year, The Information noted that Apple allocated only 10% of its iPhone manufacturing for the iPhone Air due to uncertain demand. In contrast, the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max were expected to make up the rest of production at 25%, 25%, and 40%, respectively.

Rumors circulated about the iPhone Air having a smaller battery, which could turn users away, as many rely on their phones to last all day without needing a charge. Reports suggest that between 60% and 70% of users would be able to go a full day on a single charge, compared to 80% to 90% for other models. To address this potential issue, Apple is working on a special accessory—a battery pack built into a phone case.

Following the recent launch event, the iPhone Air received a generally warm welcome. It showcased an elegant design and Apple’s effort to minimize battery concerns. Executives, including CEO Tim Cook, highlighted it during interviews, notably when Apple VP Greg Joswiak tossed a demo unit to a tech journalist, demonstrating its durability.

However, even with this positive reception, interest in the iPhone Air may not be as strong as Apple expected. Four days into pre-orders, it remains available for same-day delivery in most configurations, with the notable exception of one 512GB option.

By comparison, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max variants flew off the virtual shelves, with many configurations selling out within minutes.

Does this mean the iPhone Air is a failure? Not yet. There are many reasons for the slow pre-order pace. Customers might be waiting for reviews or thinking about their options before committing. It’s possible that demand will surge once these models hit store shelves.

Interestingly, the delayed launch of the iPhone Air in China doesn’t affect US sales. The two models cater to different markets with varying wireless capabilities.

In short, it seems easier than ever to get a new iPhone on launch day, which might hint at lower-than-expected demand. Whether this is a cause for concern will unfold in the coming weeks.

What are your thoughts on the iPhone Air? Is demand really lower than Apple anticipated? Share your views!

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