iPhone Air’s ultra-slim design has turned heads in China, where early demand has been outstanding, but that momentum isn’t evenly distributed worldwide. A new analysis indicates the model is underperforming in several markets, prompting a trim to its production outlook even as the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup gains steam.
According to data cited by The Elec from Mizuho Securities, weaker-than-expected demand for the iPhone Air has led analysts to cut its production forecast by 1 million units through the end of 2025. At the same time, the investment firm reduced Apple’s broader iPhone shipment outlook, moving from a prior estimate of 246 million units to 229 million units for 2026, a roughly 7 percent decrease.
The rest of the iPhone 17 family is telling a different story. The base iPhone 17 is reportedly performing exceptionally well, with its production forecast raised by 2 million units. Premium models are also trending upward: the iPhone 17 Pro is up by 1 million units, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has gained an additional 4 million units in projected output. Despite the iPhone Air cut, the overall family’s combined production estimate has risen from 88 million to 94 million units for the year, underscoring robust demand across the core lineup.
China remains a bright spot for the iPhone Air. As the world’s largest smartphone market, its outsized enthusiasm provides Apple with a valuable cushion while the company evaluates demand patterns in other regions. If interest in the slim flagship tapers elsewhere, Apple has room to rebalance its production mix to favor the standard and Pro models, which are tracking ahead of last year.
In a broader industry context, some competitors have reportedly scaled back certain flagship variants after tepid reception, but Apple appears committed to the iPhone Air strategy while leaning on the strong sales momentum of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The coming weeks will be telling: continued strength in China could keep the iPhone Air in the spotlight, while global demand trends may prompt further fine-tuning of Apple’s production plans.
