Apple Drastically Cuts iPhone Air Production, Boosts Other iPhone 17 Models [Report]

Apple is reportedly pulling back sharply on production for its new iPhone Air, shifting resources to meet unexpectedly strong demand for the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models. According to Nikkei Asia, the company's overall forecast for the lineup remains steady at 85 million to 90 million units, a surprisingly stable figure amid ongoing tariff concerns and a sluggish global smartphone market.

The cuts for the iPhone Air are said to be drastic, with orders for November dropping to less than 10% of the volume seen in September. Sources cited in the report blame weak demand outside of China for the change, a disappointing start for a device seen as a strategic lead-in to Apple's first foldable iPhone, which is expected to debut in 2026. This comes just as the ultra-thin device became available in China, following an initial delay over eSIM regulations.

It's a different story for the rest of the lineup. Demand has reportedly exceeded expectations, leading Apple to increase production for the base iPhone 17 by about 5 million units and add more orders for the high-end iPhone 17 Pro. That demand is already being felt by customers, as shipping estimates have slipped into October for many Pro models, while the iPhone Air remains readily available.


Overall, the new lineup is off to a strong start. A recent Counterpoint Research report found the iPhone 17 series is outselling its predecessor by 14 percent in its first ten days across the U.S. and China, with the base model iPhone 17 being a major driver of that growth, especially in China.

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