Bad News for iPhone Air: Rumors Suggest Apple May Discontinue Its Sleek Flagship Model Amid Production Estimates

Rumor Evaluation Framework

0-20%: Unlikely – Insufficient credible sources 21-40%: Questionable – Certain concerns remain 41-60%: Plausible – Reasonable evidence exists 61-80%: Probable – Strong evidence is present 81-100%: Highly Likely – Supported by multiple reliable sources

Rumor Assessment Results Assessment Score: 35%

Source Credibility: 2/5 Corroboration Level: 1/5 Technical Validity: 2/5 Timeline Certainty: 2/5

Initial iPhone Air Success in China Overshadowed by Production Cuts

Apple may have celebrated the swift sell-out of its iPhone Air on launch day in China, but the overall outlook for this model appears less promising. Reports indicate that production forecasts have been reduced by one million units, fueling speculation about a potential cancellation of the device. This development raises numerous questions, which we outline below.

Pre-Launch Estimates Suggest Limited Production for iPhone Air

The situation took a surprising turn when a user known as ‘The Undead’ on Weibo claimed that the iPhone Air will be “definitely”canceled. This assertion is reportedly backed by information from Japan’s Mizuho Securities, which had previously provided production forecasts indicating lower output for the Air model compared to others, which will be manufactured in greater quantities due to increased demand.

The apprehension surrounding the iPhone Air is not entirely unfounded. Apple may have anticipated that this model would not achieve the same level of success as their ‘Pro’ counterparts. Prior to its release, shipment estimates projected that while 100 million units would be shipped across the latest lineup, the iPhone Air would represent the smallest share of this total.

To counterbalance the anticipated reduced interest in the iPhone Air, Apple has opted to equip the base model with key flagship features akin to those found in its more expensive offerings, positioning it as a potentially attractive alternative for consumers.

The iPhone Air could be discontinued, according to tipster

Apple’s Historical Approach to Form Factors: Lessons from the Mini Lineup

The rumor regarding the iPhone Air’s cancellation is somewhat vague, lacking specific timelines for its discontinuation or whether a successor will be introduced. It’s possible that the Air serves as a stepping stone toward a future foldable iPhone, a design that also necessitates extreme thinness for market viability.

Historically, Apple has trialed various devices for around two years, as seen with the brief existence of the iPhone 12 mini followed by the iPhone 13 mini. Ultimately, instead of continuing along that path with the iPhone 14 mini, Apple opted for a larger model—the iPhone 14 Plus—which has since led to consistent releases, culminating in the debut of the iPhone Air in place of what would have been the iPhone 17 Plus.

Given Apple’s track record, it’s plausible that we might see an iPhone Air 2 before the company fully decides to pivot away from this design. What are your thoughts on the matter? We’d love to hear your perspectives in the comments below.

News Source: Undead

Source & Images