Chinese Brands Scrapping Plans for New Smartphones After iPhone Air’s Weak Performance, Report Says

Chinese Brands Scrapping Plans for New Smartphones After iPhone Air's Weak Performance, Report Says

Chinese Brands Scrapping Plans for New Smartphones After iPhone Air’s Weak Performance, Report Says


**Limited Interest in the iPhone Air: A Summary**

The iPhone Air, the newest member of Apple’s smartphone portfolio, has allegedly encountered disappointing sales figures since its debut. Analysts observed that the device was consistently available for immediate purchase, starkly contrasting with the backordered condition of the iPhone 17 Pro. This development has sparked speculation regarding the market potential of the iPhone Air.

Reports suggest that Apple has significantly scaled back manufacturing orders for the iPhone Air, with some sources indicating that production might have halted completely. This drop in demand reflects challenges encountered by other manufacturers, such as Samsung, which has similarly faced poor sales with its Galaxy S25 Edge, resulting in the cancellation of upcoming ultra-slim models.

**Responses from Chinese Smartphone Brands**

In response to the underwhelming performance of the iPhone Air, several Chinese smartphone brands have decided to either cancel or modify their strategies for similar ultra-thin devices. Companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo are said to have paused their development efforts for “Air” models, showcasing a cautious stance towards the ultra-slim smartphone market. Xiaomi, recognized for its history of emulating Apple products, had originally intended to produce a near-identical version of the iPhone Air but has now abandoned those intentions.

**Market Consequences**

The noticeable lack of consumer enthusiasm for ultra-slim smartphones raises concerns about the market’s desire for such products, especially at high price points. While Apple does not share specific sales numbers for individual models, the growing evidence implies that the iPhone Air has not connected with consumers as expected.

This scenario underscores a wider shift in the smartphone sector, where manufacturers must navigate changing consumer tastes and market conditions. As companies rethink their approaches in light of these changes, the future of ultra-slim smartphones remains unclear.