Apple’s iPhone Air might have disappointed consumers, but its impact on the global smartphone industry is undeniable. Reports from Asia (via DigiTimes) suggest that the device’s underwhelming sales are already causing ripple effects among major Chinese manufacturers.
Companies like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo have reportedly canceled or frozen ultra-thin phone projects following the iPhone Air’s lukewarm reception.
Apple Still Sets the Industry Standard
Even when Apple flops, the iPhone remains a benchmark for the entire market. The iPhone Air was marketed as a revolutionary ultra-thin 5.6 mm device, yet its trade-offs, including a smaller battery and single rear camera, didn’t resonate with buyers.
Starting at $999, the phone sits only slightly below the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro, which offers far superior battery life and triple-lens cameras.
Related: Why the iPhone 17 Makes More Sense Than the iPhone Air
The iPhone Air’s underperformance hasn’t just affected Apple. Rivals planned similar “Air-style” models, but production lines were halted or reallocated. Xiaomi’s true Air model and Vivo’s ultra-thin mid-range S series device were both scrapped, reflecting how Apple’s product performance signals strategy for other smartphone makers.
Suggested: iPhone Air Isn’t Just Thin, It’s Apple’s First iPhone Designed to Be Worn
Supply Chain Adjustments and Production Cuts
Apple’s own supply chain responded quickly. Foxconn dismantled production lines for the iPhone Air, and Luxshare stopped production entirely by the end of October. These cuts underscore the rapid shift in demand, forcing Apple to rethink the second-generation iPhone Air. Reports suggest Apple may include a second rear camera and improve battery life for the next iteration.
Samsung is experiencing a similar situation. Its Galaxy S25 Edge underperformed, leading to the cancellation of the Galaxy S26 Edge and a halt in production for the current ultra-thin model. The trend indicates that even major brands can’t escape market realities dictated by consumer preference — and Apple’s product launches remain central to shaping these preferences.
What the iPhone Air Flop Means for the Industry
The iPhone Air flop reveals a critical insight: Apple still sets the tone for the smartphone world. Other brands monitor Apple’s successes and missteps to guide their own product development. Even a failed Apple product can trigger industry-wide recalibration.
In other words, the iPhone Air didn’t just fail as a product. It quietly dictated the next moves for the global smartphone industry. Apple’s influence is so strong that a single device’s performance can pause or redirect competitors’ projects, reaffirming its role as the ultimate market bellwether.
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