According to Ming-Chi Kuo — who is consistently well-informed about production line activities — the iPhone Air has not resonated with its audience, being overshadowed by the success of the Pro models. He believes that Apple’s latest addition to their lineup has failed to meet expectations and is already seeing its production sharply cut just weeks after its release.
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Significant Production Decline by Late 2025
In a statement released on X, Ming-Chi Kuo notes that the iPhone Air has not achieved the anticipated goals
and that the supply chain is beginning to slash its production capabilities by over 80% by the first quarter of 2026. Even worse, some components with long lead times are expected to be discontinued before the end of 2025.
These reports align with those from Nikkei Asia, which suggest Apple has adjusted its orders to boost the production of Pro models while cutting back on the iPhone Air. This pattern mirrors the fate of the iPhone mini and Plus, two earlier variants intended to complement the range, but which ultimately vanished due to lack of consumer interest. However, their exit was less abrupt than that of the Air…
Overshadowed by Pro Models
For Ming-Chi Kuo, the explanation is straightforward: the Pro models monopolize the high-end demand, leaving little room for intermediate variants like the iPhone Air. The Pro and standard series already cover the majority of the premium market… There is very little space left for Apple to create new viable segments
.
The iPhone Air, designed to be thinner, lighter, and with a sleek design, was supposed to attract users looking for a balance between performance and elegance. Yet, in reality, the audience seems to favor the prestige and advanced photo capabilities of the iPhone Pro — to the detriment of this new model — or opt for the much more affordable iPhone 17.
What’s Next?
However, these adjustments do not necessarily spell a definitive failure. Apple’s supply chain is designed to be highly flexible: the company regularly adjusts volumes based on actual demand rather than initial forecasts. It’s possible that production of the iPhone Air could increase again if sales improve in certain markets or if Apple revises its pricing strategy.
The outlook remains rather grim: as the iPhone Pro becomes Apple’s true showcase of technology, more experimental models like the Air struggle to find their footing. Despite a promising launch in China, where it briefly sold out, the iPhone Air seems to be already suffering from growing disinterest in the West.