iPhone Air上市遇冷，史上最薄的iPhone卖不动了？

Core Viewpoint - The iPhone Air, marketed as the "thinnest iPhone ever," has experienced a lukewarm market reception in China, contrasting sharply with the strong demand seen for the iPhone 17 series [1][2][4]. Product Overview - The iPhone Air was officially launched on October 22, with a starting price of 7999 yuan. It features the A19 Pro chip, a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, weighs 165g, and has a thickness of only 5.6mm. Unlike the iPhone 17 series, it uses a titanium frame and only supports eSIM, lacking compatibility with physical SIM cards [2][4]. - Initial stock was limited, with reports indicating that only a few units were available for immediate purchase, suggesting a reliance on online pre-orders [4][6]. Market Performance - The sales environment for the iPhone Air has been notably quiet, with few inquiries from potential buyers. Sales staff indicated that the device is more suitable as a secondary phone rather than a primary one, citing average battery life and limited camera capabilities [4][6]. - The iPhone Air's video playback battery life is reported at 27 hours, which is significantly lower than the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 37 hours and the standard iPhone 17's 30 hours [4]. Secondary Market Dynamics - In the second-hand market, the iPhone Air has not seen the price premiums that were common with the iPhone 17 series. Instead, it is being sold at prices lower than the official retail price by 300-700 yuan [7]. Supply Chain and Production Insights - Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has warned of lower-than-expected demand for the iPhone Air, predicting a significant reduction in supply chain capacity by over 80% by Q1 2026. This suggests that existing models are adequately meeting high-end user needs, making it challenging to find new market segments [17]. - There are rumors regarding a potential pause in iPhone Air production due to disappointing sales, although official sources have denied any current plans to halt production [17][18]. eSIM Market Impact - The iPhone Air's mandatory use of eSIM technology has posed challenges in the Chinese market, where consumer awareness and acceptance are still developing. This has limited the device's appeal and sales potential [18][19]. - The launch of the iPhone Air has prompted a revival of eSIM services in China, with major telecom operators announcing the resumption of eSIM mobile services across the country [18][19].