Since pre-orders commenced last Friday, the majority of iPhones have transitioned to a 2–3 or 3–4 week delivery estimate, apart from the iPhone Air, which is still offered for launch day in all configurations except one.
## Some context
Earlier this year, *The Information* disclosed that, due to uncertainty in demand for what ultimately became the iPhone Air, Apple allocated only 10% of its iPhone manufacturing capacity to this model. The article stated that the standard iPhone 17 would represent 25% of total production, the iPhone 17 Pro would also take up 25%, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max would comprise the remaining 40%.
At that time, rumors were quite prevalent regarding a significantly reduced battery capacity, which could render the slim iPhone unattractive to a considerable segment of the public, who might struggle to last an entire day without recharging the device:
> The proportion of users able to last a full day without recharging the lightweight phone is estimated to be between 60% and 70%. For other models, this figure ranges from 80% to 90%, according to one source.
To address this issue, Apple is in the process of creating an optional accessory—a phone case designed for the slim model that also includes a battery pack, as stated by three individuals familiar with the situation.
## Apple unveils the iPhone Air
Following the Awe Dropping event, it seems fair to suggest that the initial feedback regarding the iPhone Air was predominantly favorable. Apple made significant efforts to mitigate the inevitable battery limitations associated with such a slim device, and its design appeared to receive more acclaim than criticism.
The iPhone Air has also been the center of most discussions with Apple executives, from CEO Tim Cook to the well-known incident where Apple VP of Worldwide Marketing Greg Joswiak tossed a demo unit to *Tom’s Guide*’s Lance Ulanoff, who attempted to bend it unsuccessfully.
Despite the initially favorable reception and Apple’s attempts to market the iPhone Air as a non-Pro iPhone Pro, public interest seems to have fallen short of Apple’s expectations.
Four days into the pre-order phase, the iPhone Air remains available for day-one delivery in all colors and sizes, with the exception of the 512GB Cloud White, which has moved to a 2–3 week forecast.
In contrast, several variants of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max dropped to that same 2–3 week estimate within moments of release, with some models currently back-ordered until late October.
## Does this imply the iPhone Air is a failure? Not necessarily.
It is undoubtedly much too premature to draw any conclusions of that nature.
However, while there could be multiple explanations for the iPhone Air’s availability on day one, it appears that, in one way or another, demand seems to be below what Apple had anticipated.
It could very well be that most prospective buyers are waiting for reviews to ensure the trade-offs aren’t as significant as some initial critics suggest. It’s possible that many potential customers intend to secure an iPhone Air before deciding to proceed. There’s a chance that once these devices are available in stores, the scenario will shift, and the iPhone Air will be the most elusive.
Perhaps.
But nearly a week into pre-orders, it feels like an unusual opportunity where obtaining a new iPhone on day one appears easier than it has in quite some time, or even more manageable than it should be, from Apple’s viewpoint. Whether this indicates a troubling sign will undoubtedly become clearer in the coming weeks.
Do you believe demand for the iPhone Air is lower than Apple had expected? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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