Despite a chorus of skepticism about global demand, Apple’s ultra‑slim iPhone Air appears to be finding its footing—especially in China, where its eSIM‑only design has turned heads in a market that only recently opened the door to smartphone eSIMs. And that early traction may be enough for Apple to keep the line alive.
Fresh supply‑chain checks shared by major investment banks point to a clear roadmap: JP Morgan is indicating Apple has the iPhone Air 2 lined up for 2026 and the iPhone Air 3 for 2027. That directly challenges recent chatter suggesting the new form factor might be short‑lived. Another research note from TD Cowen backs this up, saying Apple hasn’t changed the iPhone Air’s production cadence and reaffirming earlier build plans. According to its latest estimates, Apple is expected to produce around 3 million iPhone Air units in the third quarter of 2025 and about 7 million units in the fourth quarter.
Not everyone agrees. A recent KeyBanc Capital survey reported virtually no demand for the iPhone Air and limited willingness to pay for a foldable, reflecting a more cautious consumer stance toward premium, experimental devices. In parallel, Nikkei Asia reported Apple was dialing back production of the iPhone Air while increasing orders for the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup. Well‑known Apple analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo also suggested most iPhone Air suppliers were preparing to slash capacity for the model by more than 80 percent.
So where does that leave the iPhone Air? The most plausible reading is that Apple is treating the Air as a strategic, ultra‑slim showcase with a measured ramp, rather than a mass‑market leader—at least for now. Strong curiosity in China thanks to the eSIM‑only novelty, coupled with Apple’s disciplined production planning, supports a longer runway for the concept. And with JP Morgan and TD Cowen both signaling continuity, the Air family looks set to continue.
Bottom line: unless demand meaningfully deteriorates, expect Apple to press ahead with iPhone Air 2 in 2026 and iPhone Air 3 in 2027. Watch production targets, supplier capacity, and regional adoption—especially in China—for the clearest signals of how big Apple intends to go with its thinnest iPhone yet.
