- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
35%
Questionable
Apple may have witnessed an initial success surge in China with its iPhone Air reportedly selling out in the region the day it officially launched, but the overall picture of the slim flagship is a little on the grim side. According to previous estimates, the production forecast of the device has been trimmed by one million units, and now, a rumor says that it will be canceled. This claim obviously leaves us with more questions than answers, and as always, we have discussed them below.
Even before Apple’s official iPhone 17, estimates were stating that the iPhone Air would be produced in fewer volumes
On Weibo, ‘The Undead’ has bad news for those wanting to see Apple continue the trend of sleek smartphones alive by stating that the iPhone Air will ‘definitely’ be canceled. Interestingly, the person made these claims after re-posting the same data from Japan’s Mizuho Securities, which provided the iPhone Air’s production forecasts, while also mentioning that the remaining models would be produced in higher quantities due to increased demand.
The disappointing reality is that Apple probably already knew that the iPhone Air was never going to be a raging success as the remaining models, which is why, before the official announcement, a shipments estimate revealed that out of the 100 million units belonging to the newer lineup that would be shipped this year, the iPhone Air made up the lowest percentage.
Knowing that this particular model would not garner the same reception as the ‘Pro’ models, Apple had a trick up its sleeve to offset the reduced demand for the iPhone Air, and that is giving the base model the same flagship features present in the more expensive offerings, making it an instant hit.
Apple has experimented with different form factors before, with the underwhelming ‘mini’ lineup lasting for two generations
The rumor from the Weibo tipster is a little ambiguous because there is no timeline provided as to when Apple will discontinue the iPhone Air, nor is it mentioned whether the company intends to introduce a successor with this form factor or shift to something else completely. It is highly possible that the device was just a precursor to the foldable iPhone, as it too will require insane levels of thinness to become a worthy entrant in the technology giant’s lineup.
As for discontinuing the iPhone Air, Apple has typically experimented with different devices for at least two years, like it did with the iPhone 12 mini, followed by the iPhone 13 mini. Unfortunately, instead of the iPhone 14 mini, Apple launched a significantly larger model, calling it the iPhone 14 Plus, with this specific handset bringing in two successive releases until Apple finally threw in the towel and launched the iPhone Air instead of the iPhone 17 Plus.
Based on these habits, it is more than likely that we will witness the iPhone Air 2 before Apple decides that it has had enough and focuses on a different form factor. Do you share the same opinion, or have something else to add? Let us know in the comments.
News Source: Undead
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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