Apple has slashed orders from iPhone Air suppliers to levels usually only seen as a device nears end of production, according to a new Nikkei Asia report.
When an Apple device is providing to be popular, we see evidence of its popularity with slipping delivery times, as Apple assembly partners struggle to meet demand for the device. Some highly-popular iPhone models have seen delivery times begin to slide almost immediately after pre-orders open. As for the iPhone Air, availability has remained strong since its debut, both for in-store and delivery orders.
The Nikkei Asia report claims Apple has slashed orders for the iPhone Air to nearly end-of-life levels, even though it is just now going on sale in China.
“The total forecast has almost entered end-of-production mode, dropping significantly compared to earlier projections, to only about 10% fewer orders compared with September starting in November,” one of the component supplier managers said.
Although sales of the Air have apparently been less than robust, production across the rest of the new iPhone lineup continues to be strong. Nikkei Asia says that “unexpectedly robust demand” for the other iPhone 17 models has made up for the iPhone Air’s weak demand. The report claims Apple has increased orders for its base iPhone 17 by around 5 million units, while also ordering a unspecified increase in the flagship iPhone 17 Pro models.
