Apple may delay the release of the next-generation iPhone Air, and Foxconn has dismantled a large number of production lines.

On November 11th, according to Global Times citing sources familiar with the matter, due to the sales falling short of expectations, Apple has decided to postpone the release of the next - generation iPhone Air. This adjustment has also had a significant impact on the supply chain.

According to insiders, Apple has recently notified internal engineers and external suppliers to remove the original development project of iPhone Air 2 from the release schedule for the fall of 2026, and no new timeline has been provided. The model was originally planned to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series and the iPhone Fold.

Insiders also pointed out that Foxconn, one of the two assembly manufacturers of the iPhone Air, has dismantled all but one - and - a - half production lines and is expected to completely stop production by the end of this month. Another partner, Luxshare Precision, ended the relevant production tasks at the end of October.

However, Apple has not completely abandoned this product line. Some industry insiders said that the company may redesign the iPhone Air in the spring of 2027 and launch the second - generation product together with the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e.

Since its launch, the iPhone Air has attracted much attention. It is positioned between the standard version of the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro. It has the thinnest body in the history of the iPhone, with the thinnest part being only 5.6 millimeters and weighing 165 grams. The frame is made of Grade 5 titanium, with 80% recycled titanium, ensuring both lightness and durability. In addition, it is the world's first smartphone that only supports eSIM.

However, with a starting price as high as $999, the price difference from the standard high - end models is not significant, and there are compromises in key configurations, resulting in low enthusiasm among consumers. Instead, the more fully - configured standard or Pro versions of the iPhone 17 are more popular.

The release of the Chinese - mainland version of the iPhone Air was later than that in the US market. Pre - orders started on October 17th, and it was officially launched on October 22nd. At the beginning of the pre - order period, the first batch of models were quickly sold out, but the market enthusiasm did not last after the official launch. In addition to the product's own problems, the cumbersome eSIM handling process also deterred many consumers.

Regarding the reduction of shipments and production capacity in the supply chain due to the lower - than - expected demand for the iPhone Air, Tianfeng International Securities analyst Guo Mingji previously said that it is expected that by the first quarter of 2026, the production capacity of most suppliers will be reduced by more than 80%, and some components with longer lead times are expected to stop production by the end of 2025.

Guo Mingji believes that the existing iPhone 17 Pro series and standard models already well meet the needs of most high - end users, leaving little room to explore new market segments and positioning, which is also an important factor for the poor sales of the iPhone Air.

He also mentioned that looking back at the models Apple has launched in the past, whether it was the mini, Plus, or now the Air, none of them have successfully carved out new market segments and positioning. The iPhone mini did not meet the usage habits of most consumers due to its small screen size; although the iPhone Plus had a larger screen, it lacked sufficient differentiation in performance and price.

This article is from "Jiemian News", Reporter: Song Jianan. Republished by 36Kr with permission.