Apple first launched the iPhone Air smartphone in September this year, boasting the thinnest and lightest design ever. However, due to the first generation's sales performance falling short of expectations, technology news website The Information reported that Apple has decided to cancel the second-generation iPhone Air, originally scheduled for release next fall.
It is understood that although Apple initially allocated only about 10% of its production capacity to the iPhone Air, with most resources still concentrated on the standard and Pro models, the current inventory of this model is sufficient and it is easy to purchase through physical and online channels, which is in stark contrast to the best-selling models.
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Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the iPhone Air sacrificed battery life, camera quality, and speaker sound in its design to achieve its goal of being thin and light, resulting in a poor overall reception. Reviewers generally believe that the product overemphasized aesthetics while neglecting core elements of user experience.
On the supply chain front, iPhone Air production has also been significantly scaled back. Foxconn, one of the manufacturers, currently has only one and a half production lines operating, with full production expected to cease by the end of November; Luxshare Precision, another assembly partner, had already stopped production at the end of October. In contrast, both companies are deploying dozens of production lines to support the best-selling iPhone 17 Pro series.
However, The Information also points out that it is not yet certain that the iPhone Air has been completely abandoned, so Apple may be making significant design changes and need more time to prepare before relaunching it in 2027 or later.
