iPhone Air’s Weak Sales Push Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo to Scrap Slim Phone Plans
Apple’s ambitious iPhone Air experiment appears to be faltering, and its poor market performance is now rippling across the smartphone industry. According to a new report from DigiTimes, several major Chinese brands, including Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo, have cancelled their plans to release ultra‑slim smartphones designed to rival Apple’s lightweight model.
iPhone Air Struggles to Gain Traction
Sales of the iPhone Air have reportedly fallen short of expectations, prompting significant disruptions across Apple’s supply chain. Foxconn, the company’s key manufacturing partner, has scaled back its iPhone production lines, while another supplier, Luxshare, has completely halted production. Adding to the turbulence, the Air’s lead designer has recently departed from Apple, and Cupertino is said to have delayed development of the device’s successor.
Ripple Effect Across Rivals
The disappointing performance of the iPhone Air has discouraged competitors from pursuing similar slim‑form devices. Industry insiders suggest that the lack of consumer demand for ultra‑thin phones has made the segment too risky for brands like Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo.
Apple isn’t alone in facing challenges. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge has also struggled in the market, with reports indicating the company has cancelled plans for a successor.
The retreat by both Apple and Samsung highlights a broader industry trend; consumers may be prioritizing battery life, durability, and performance over ultra‑slim designs. While thin and light smartphones once symbolized premium innovation, the latest sales data suggests that practicality now outweighs aesthetics.
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