Core Viewpoint - Apple has decided to postpone the release of the next-generation iPhone Air due to lower-than-expected sales, significantly impacting its supply chain [1][2]. Group 1: Product Release and Supply Chain Impact - Apple has informed internal engineers and external suppliers to remove the iPhone Air 2 development project from the 2026 fall release schedule, with no new timeline provided [1]. - Foxconn, one of the assembly partners for iPhone Air, has dismantled all but one production line and is expected to cease production by the end of the month [1]. - Another partner, Luxshare Precision, completed its production tasks by the end of October [1]. Group 2: Market Performance and Consumer Reception - The iPhone Air, positioned between the iPhone 17 standard and Pro versions, has not met sales expectations, partly due to its high starting price of $999 and compromises in key configurations [2][3]. - The iPhone Air's initial pre-order phase saw rapid sell-outs, but the market interest did not sustain after the official launch on October 22 [2]. - Complicated eSIM activation processes have deterred some consumers from purchasing the iPhone Air [2]. Group 3: Analysis of Market Positioning - Analysts suggest that the existing iPhone 17 Pro and standard models adequately meet high-end user needs, leaving little room for the iPhone Air to carve out a new market segment [3][4]. - Historical attempts by Apple to introduce new models like the mini and Plus have also failed to establish new market segments, indicating a pattern of challenges in expanding the iPhone lineup [3][4]. - The iPhone Air's ultra-thin design has been criticized for sacrificing user experience, with consumers favoring models that offer better performance and features [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - Apple has decided to postpone the release of the next-generation iPhone Air due to lower-than-expected sales, which has significantly impacted its supply chain [1]. Group 1: Product Development and Release - Apple has removed the iPhone Air 2 development project from the 2026 fall release schedule and has not provided a new timeline [1]. - The iPhone Air was initially planned to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Fold [1]. - Foxconn, one of the assembly partners for iPhone Air, has dismantled all but one production line and is expected to cease production by the end of the month [1]. - Another partner, Luxshare Precision, ended its related production tasks by the end of October [1]. - There are indications that Apple may redesign the iPhone Air for a potential spring 2027 release alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e [1]. Group 2: Market Performance and Consumer Response - The iPhone Air, positioned between the iPhone 17 standard and Pro versions, features the thinnest body in iPhone history at 5.6 mm and weighs 165 grams, with a frame made of 80% recycled titanium [2]. - Despite initial interest, the iPhone Air's high starting price of $999 and compromises in key specifications led to lower consumer enthusiasm compared to the more complete iPhone 17 standard and Pro versions [2]. - The iPhone Air's launch in China was delayed until October 17 for pre-orders and October 22 for official sales, where initial stock sold out quickly but failed to maintain market momentum [2]. - Complicated eSIM activation processes also deterred potential buyers [2]. Group 3: Market Positioning and Competition - Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the existing iPhone 17 Pro series and standard models effectively meet the needs of most high-end users, leaving little room for new market segments, which is a key reason for the iPhone Air's poor sales [3]. - Historical analysis shows that previous models like mini, Plus, and now Air have not successfully carved out new market segments or positions [3]. - The iPhone mini's small screen size did not align with consumer preferences, while the iPhone Plus lacked sufficient differentiation in performance and price [3].