I’m dubious, but MacRumors reports that Apple’s disappointing iPhone Air sales “are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects.”
Noting reports coming out of Asia, the article says that, as result of the device’s poor reception among consumers, rival smartphone manufacturers including Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and others have either canned or adjusted their development plans for Air-style models, and reallocated eSIM solutions intended for the devices to other production lines.
So, what’s the deal? The iPhone Air is a sales bomb. Or not. It depends on which report you believe.
The Sellers Research Group (that’s me) thinks it’s a sales disappointment for Apple, but not a disaster. On November 10, The Information claimed that sales of the iPhone Air are so bad that there won’t be a sequel.
Apple had planned to release a new iPhone Air in fall 2026, but now that’s not going to happen, the report said. The following day the publication reversed course and said that the tech giant will redesign the thinnest ever iPhone with a second camera.
Besides, the iPhone Air is a big hit in China. It sold out across online stores in China within hours of pre-orders opening, according to the South China Morning Post. And the iPhone Air’s eSIM-only design gives Apple a strategic advantage within China’s premium market and strengthens its global supply chain by simplifying production, according to Counterpoint Research.
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