### iPhone Air Demand: Evaluating Recent Patterns
There has been significant doubt about the demand for the iPhone Air, especially as delivery times have stayed steady since its introduction. A recent report from Nikkei has intensified worries, showing that Apple has considerably decreased its orders to suppliers, a typical sign of a product approaching the end of its production phase.
#### Initial Indicators Suggested Weak iPhone Air Demand
A crucial sign of success for a new Apple product is the rate at which delivery times extend. For favored iPhone models, this can happen mere minutes after their launch. Yet, the iPhone Air has kept immediate availability for both delivery and in-store pickup since its debut, indicating a lack of consumer enthusiasm. Analysts and market research firms have also pointed out subdued demand for the iPhone Air. For example, Morgan Stanley anticipated increased production for other iPhone variants but excluded the iPhone Air from their forecasts. Likewise, Counterpoint Research noted strong demand for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max, while again failing to mention the iPhone Air.
#### Production Cut Sharply – Nikkei
As per a new report from Nikkei Asia, Apple has significantly slashed its production orders for the iPhone Air to levels akin to those typically observed at the conclusion of a product’s life cycle. This decision follows initial reports of robust demand upon the model’s launch in China. Sources suggest that production orders have declined markedly, with forecasts now resembling a near end-of-production scenario.
> “Apple is significantly reducing iPhone Air production orders […] Production orders for the iPhone Air have been trimmed nearly to ‘end of production’ thresholds, despite it just launching in China last week, owing to weak demand in other regions,” remarked a component supplier manager.
#### Offset by Other Models
On a brighter note for Apple, overall production across the latest iPhone series is reportedly aligning with projections. Unexpectedly high demand for the iPhone 17 models has counterbalanced the tepid interest in the iPhone Air. Reports indicate that Apple has ramped up production orders for the base iPhone 17 by around 5 million units, along with additional requests for the premium iPhone 17 Pro.
> “In contrast, demand for the iPhone 17 model and iPhone 17 Pro has surpassed expectations,” sources disclosed.
#### 9to5Mac’s Analysis
Relying on indirect indicators to measure demand for new Apple products is not a precise practice. While the immediate availability of one model compared to the swift extension of delivery times for another can offer insights into demand, it may also indicate Apple’s initial miscalculations. For instance, if Apple predicted that iPhone Air orders would constitute 15% of total demand but actual orders only accounted for 14%, immediate availability would still be evident.
Nonetheless, the cumulative evidence strongly suggests that the iPhone Air has not lived up to Apple’s expectations concerning popularity.
#### Conclusion
The iPhone Air’s lack of demand, as shown by production reductions and consistent availability, raises uncertainties regarding its market acceptance. While other models within the iPhone range are thriving, the iPhone Air seems to struggle to engage consumer interest, leading Apple to reconsider its production strategy accordingly.
