Apple's iPhone Air Experiment Fails as Supply Chain Cuts Production by 80%

Apple's anticipated iPhone Air has not resonated with consumers as expected. Production cuts are being implemented across the supply chain, with suppliers significantly reducing capacity. These reductions are expected to continue through early 2026, with some components being discontinued by the end of 2025. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo attributes the iPhone Air's failure to the strong performance of the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models. These existing models seem to already satisfy most high-end user demand. Reports from Mizuho Securities and Nikkei corroborate the underwhelming sales of the iPhone Air. Samsung is reportedly experiencing a similar lack of demand for its own super-thin smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Edge, leading to its cancellation. Apple has struggled with finding a successful fourth iPhone model outside the standard and Pro lines. The iPhone mini and Plus models also fell short of expectations. The company experimented with a thinner design, compromising features for a lighter form factor. Apple might introduce a foldable iPhone as part of the iPhone 18 lineup, potentially in 2026, as a new form factor.