Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that Apple is significantly scaling back production and shipments of the iPhone Air, suggesting that the company may be rethinking its long-term plans for the model.
According to Kuo, Apple’s supply chain is preparing for major cutbacks, with most suppliers expected to reduce iPhone Air production capacity by more than 80% by the first quarter of 2026. Some component suppliers, especially those handling parts with longer lead times, may halt production entirely by the end of 2025.
Lack of Momentum for the iPhone Air
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
The iPhone Air appears to be following the same trajectory as Apple’s iPhone mini and iPhone Plus models, which also struggled to find a lasting foothold in the market. Despite early curiosity and a sleek design, the Air hasn’t managed to generate the sustained demand Apple was likely hoping for.
However, Kuo notes that this doesn’t necessarily signal a failure. Apple often recalibrates its production lines based on early sales trends, and the shift could simply reflect the company’s strategy to prioritise the higher-margin iPhone Pro models, which historically dominate early sales cycles.
Apple’s Flexible Supply Chain
One of Apple’s long-standing advantages is its highly adaptable supply chain, allowing the company to quickly scale production up or down depending on demand. This flexibility enables Apple to manage inventory efficiently while focusing on devices that perform best in the market — such as the Pro and Pro Max series.
Non-Pro iPhone models, including the Air, typically gain momentum a few months after launch, once early adopters and Pro buyers have made their purchases. It’s possible that Apple is simply adjusting for this transition period rather than abandoning the model altogether.
The Future of the iPhone Air
Still, Kuo’s report leaves open the possibility that the iPhone Air may be a one-off experiment. Apple has a history of testing new product lines — such as the mini — and later discontinuing them if they don’t fit the company’s long-term vision or sales expectations.
Whether Apple revisits the Air concept in future generations will likely depend on how sales trend through 2025. For now, the iPhone Air remains available, but its future in Apple’s lineup appears uncertain as the company shifts focus toward its more successful flagship models.
