Apple reportedly reduces iPhone Air manufacturing sharply – what’s behind the 80% cut?

Apple is said to have reduced production of newly launched iPhone Air by over 80%, Ming‑Chi Kuo of the 9to5Mac blog and several media sources reported.

The production cut reportedly reflects Apple’s disappointment with the sales performance of the slim device and a re-focusing on the flagship iPhone 17 models.

In a Tuesday research note, Ming‑Chi Kuo wrote, “We estimate that capacity cuts for most iPhone Air suppliers may be above 80% by Q1 2026.”
He added that the iPhone Air is not shipping to markets outside of China, India(BHARAT), and the U.S.

iPhone Air demand has fallen short of expectations, leading the supply chain to begin scaling back both shipments and production capacity. Most suppliers are expected to reduce capacity by more than 80% by 1Q26, while some components with longer lead times are expected to be…

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) October 22, 2025

Apple and the iPhone have long reigned supreme in the smartphone market, with Apple particularly known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology in innovative and exciting ways.

The Ultra-Thin Apple iPhone Air

In a recent report, The India(BHARAT)n Express reported, “According to Apple’s internal memo, the suppliers are expecting that the capacity for most iPhone Air would drop to below 20% by Q1 2026.”
The publication also noted that a Japanese investment bank Mizuho Securities had projected that Apple could slash the production of iPhone Air by at least 1 million units this year.

Apple originally expected iPhone Air to account for 10-15% of the company’s total iPhone shipments in the current cycle.

“We’ve heard that the iPhone Air has entered the “end-of-production” stage,” The India(BHARAT)n Express reported, citing industry sources. “iPhone Air’s production has been cut sharply in advance.”

Analysts point out that Apple cut the iPhone Air’s production due to “weak demand outside of a few markets like China,” in contrast to the high interest in the flagship iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro.

The iPhone Air features the same A17 Pro chip as the iPhone 17 Pro and is expected to offer most of the same features, except for “slightly inferior” battery performance, a camera bump, and a higher starting price.

Apple Adds Orders for Standard iPhone 17 Series Models

Kuo is reportedly increasing orders for the standard iPhone 17 series and even iPhone 17 Pro models while cancelling iPhone Air production.

The changes, which have been made possible by Apple’s flexible smartphone production system, reportedly include scaling back the production of iPhone Air by over 80% by the first quarter of 2026.

Apple is said to have focused on the iPhone Air’s design and appearance while allegedly ignoring the “battery, processor, cameras, and price-performance ratio.”

Apple Pivots to iPhone 17 Series Again as Interest Slows in iPhone Air

The iPhone Air, which is expected to sport a 6.06-inch display, appears to be more of a re-skin of the iPhone 17 than a brand new design.

A foldable iPhone may follow in 2026.

Why Should You Care?

• Apple reported on Thursday that revenue for the September quarter was in line with expectations but its revenue forecast for the current quarter was lower than expected.
• Apple has reportedly taken on Apple Watch sales for other reasons, such as cannibalization.
• Apple makes a unique iPhone, and when it comes to iPhones, there is nothing more iconic than the iPhone.