Disappointing sales of Apple's iPhone Air are causing major Chinese mobile phone makers to cancel or freeze their own plans for ultra-thin phones, according to reports from Asia.
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Since the iPhone Air's launch in September, there have been reports of low sales and production cuts, while Apple's supply chain has reduced shipments and production.
Apple supplier Foxconnhas reportedly dismantled all production lines for the iPhone Air, while Luxshare, another supplier, stopped production in late October.
As a result of the device's poor reception by consumers, rival smartphone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and others have either canceled or adjusted development plans for Air-like models, and are reallocating eSIM solutions intended for the devices to other production lines.
Xiaomi was reportedly planning a “real Air model” to compete with Apple’s offering, while Vivo was aiming for thinness in the mid-range S series. Both companies have reportedly halted the relevant projects, but have yet to officially comment.
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Apple relied on the iPhone Air's new look to generate excitement — it's the first major iPhone redesign since the iPhone X introduced Face ID and an all-screen display in 2017. However, achieving an ultra-slim 5.6mm profile required compromises. The iPhone Air uses a smaller battery and a single rear camera, but it still carries a high price tag.
Starting at $999, it seems too expensive for what many buyers consider style over substance. It's just $100 below the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro, which offers a triple-lens camera system and much better battery life.
The lukewarm consumer response is also said to have forced Apple to go back to the drawing board: a report from The Information claims that Apple has delayed the second generation of the iPhone Air while it redesigns the device to possibly incorporate a second camera and improve battery life.
See also: The iPhone 16e appears to have 'failed' just like the iPhone Air
It seems to be a similar story for Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge, the Korean company's equivalent ultra-thin offering. Samsung has reportedly canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge and halted production of the Galaxy S25 Edge, due to low sales.
