iPhone Air Sales Slump Forces Rivals to Cancel Ultra-Thin Phones

Apple’s bold experiment with the iPhone Air has hit a major roadblock. Poor sales of the ultra-thin device are forcing not only Apple but also its rivals to rethink their smartphone strategies. Supply chain reports from Asia confirm that the iPhone Air’s disappointing performance has triggered a wave of cancellations across the industry.

iPhone Air Sales Struggle

Launched in September, the iPhone Air was Apple’s thinnest phone yet, measuring just 5.6 mm. Despite its sleek design, the device required compromises: a smaller battery, a single rear camera, and a premium $999 starting price. Consumers appear to have judged it as style over substance.

For just $100 more, the iPhone 17 Pro offers a triple-lens camera and far better battery life. That value gap has proven difficult for buyers to ignore.

Supply Chain Cuts Signal Market Rejection

Apple’s supply chain has scaled back dramatically. Foxconn dismantled its iPhone Air production lines, while Luxshare halted all production in October. According to Reuters, manufacturing cuts began shortly after launch, reflecting sustained weak demand.

The initial sales figures failed to meet expectations, sending a clear signal to competitors that extreme thinness may not be a winning formula.

Rivals Pivot Away From Thin-Phone Strategy

Chinese smartphone makers Xiaomi and Vivo had been developing their own ultra-thin models. Xiaomi planned a “true Air” competitor, while Vivo targeted thinness in its mid-range S series. Both companies have now scrapped those projects.

Instead, they are reallocating resources to features like eSIM solutions and improved performance. The swift pivot underscores how quickly manufacturers respond to market feedback.

Samsung Faces Similar Challenges

Apple is not alone in facing setbacks. Samsung has reportedly cancelled its upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge, following poor sales of the current S25 Edge. Like the iPhone Air, the Edge model emphasized thinness but struggled to win over consumers.

Apple Forced Back to the Drawing Board

The weak response has forced Apple to rethink its design ambitions. A report from The Information claims the second-generation iPhone Air has been delayed. Apple is reportedly redesigning the device to add a second camera and improve battery life.

This marks a significant setback for Apple, which had positioned the iPhone Air as its first major redesign since the iPhone X in 2017. The company had hoped the new look would generate excitement, but the market has spoken otherwise.

Industry Ripple Effect

The iPhone Air’s struggles have created a ripple effect across the smartphone industry. Manufacturers are reconsidering whether extreme thinness should remain a priority. Instead, the focus may shift back to battery life, camera performance, and practical features—areas where consumers see more tangible value.

Conclusion

Apple’s iPhone Air was meant to redefine smartphone design. Instead, its sales slump has reshaped industry priorities. With rivals scrapping their own ultra-thin projects, the market appears to be signaling a clear preference: features and functionality matter more than minimalist design.