Chinese Brands Cancel Plans After iPhone Air Flop
▼ Summary
– iPhone Air sales have been disappointing, with Apple reportedly reducing or suspending manufacturing due to low demand.
– Samsung faced similar issues with its Galaxy S25 Edge and has canceled next year’s model as a result.
– Major Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have canceled or frozen their own ultra-thin phone projects in response.
– Evidence suggests there is insufficient market demand for ultra-slim phones at the current high prices charged.
– Apple does not disclose individual product sales, but multiple reports confirm the iPhone Air’s poor performance.
The smartphone market is witnessing a significant shift as disappointing sales of Apple’s iPhone Air prompt major Chinese manufacturers to reconsider their product strategies. Following the device’s launch, a clear lack of consumer enthusiasm became apparent, with the model remaining readily available while its counterpart, the iPhone 17 Pro, faced substantial backorders. Multiple industry reports have since indicated that Apple drastically cut manufacturing orders, with some sources claiming production has now halted entirely.
Samsung encountered a parallel situation with its own ultra-slim offering, the Galaxy S25 Edge. The company is reportedly responding by canceling the planned release of next year’s model, reinforcing the notion that the current market may not support this specific product category.
In reaction to these developments, prominent Chinese smartphone brands are pulling back from their ambitious ultra-thin phone projects. According to supply chain reports aggregated by DigiTimes, companies including Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have either frozen or completely canceled their “Air” model initiatives. This collective retreat stems from both the observed market reception and ongoing pressures within the supply chain.
Xiaomi, a company historically known for mirroring Apple’s design language, had been developing a device that closely resembled the iPhone Air. Insiders now confirm that this particular project has been scrapped, marking a notable departure from the company’s usual product development trajectory.
While Apple maintains its policy of not disclosing individual product sales figures, the accumulation of evidence from supply chain analysts and retail availability strongly suggests the iPhone Air failed to meet commercial expectations. When combined with Samsung’s similar experience, a clear pattern emerges: the consumer demand for premium ultra-slim smartphones does not currently justify their high price points, leading to a strategic reassessment across the industry.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
