URGENT UPDATE: Apple’s iPhone Air has flopped spectacularly, leading major smartphone rivals to cancel their ultra-thin phone developments. This dramatic turn in the tech industry is sending shockwaves through the market, with companies fearing they could suffer the same fate.
Just confirmed, Apple’s latest offering has struggled to gain traction since its release, prompting significant cuts in production from key suppliers like Foxconn and Luxshare. Reports from MacRumors indicate that Foxconn has already dismantled all iPhone Air production lines, while Luxshare followed suit earlier this month.
The implications are immediate and concerning for the tech landscape. According to a report by DigitTimes Asia, multiple Chinese smartphone manufacturers, including Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi, have either shelved or completely canceled their plans for ultra-thin smartphones aimed at rivaling the iPhone Air.
Previously, Xiaomi was poised to launch a “true Air model” to compete directly with Apple, while Vivo aimed to introduce a significantly slimmer midrange smartphone from its S series. However, both projects are now on hold, reflecting a broader hesitation in the industry regarding ultra-thin devices.
Industry insiders reveal that Apple’s decision to compromise on essential features, such as equipping the iPhone Air with a single rear camera and a smaller battery, contributed to its lackluster performance. These trade-offs have left consumers unimpressed, leading to weak sales that have affected the entire supply chain.
“The dismal performance of the iPhone Air serves as a cautionary tale for other manufacturers,” a source at DigitTimes Asia stated.
Samsung, which previously launched a competing model, the Galaxy S25 Edge, is also feeling the heat. Reports indicate that Samsung has now canceled plans for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge, citing poor sales as a pivotal reason for this decision.
The tech world is watching closely as the fallout from Apple’s iPhone Air continues to resonate across the industry. Without a doubt, the immediate future of ultra-thin smartphones now hangs in the balance, with many questioning whether this segment can survive.
As of now, there are no official statements from the rival companies regarding their canceled plans. However, the shift in focus from these brands to more conventional models indicates a significant change in consumer preferences and market dynamics.
What happens next is critical. As Apple grapples with its own setbacks, competitors are likely to pivot their strategies, potentially reshaping the smartphone market landscape in the coming months. Stay tuned as this story develops.
