Core Insights - The iPhone Air has faced significant challenges since its launch, leading to the decision by Apple to halt production due to poor sales performance and market reception [1][2][4] Sales Performance - iPhone Air's initial sales were disappointing, with activation numbers in the first week exceeding only 50,000 units, which is less than one-tenth of the iPhone 17 Pro Max's performance [1] - In major online sales channels like JD.com and Tmall, iPhone Air's sales lagged behind both the iPhone 17 series and the older iPhone 16 models, failing to make it into the top ten small-screen sales rankings [2] Product Features and Consumer Reception - The iPhone Air was designed as a "non-Pro flagship," aiming to reduce features while maintaining essential components like the A-series chip and main camera, but this strategy did not resonate with consumers [6] - Key features were stripped down, including the removal of high-refresh screens, titanium alloy, and multiple camera options, leading to a perception of the device as outdated [6][11] - User feedback highlighted significant issues with battery life and performance, with many reviews criticizing the device's value proposition compared to the Pro Max [5][8] Market Dynamics - The iPhone Air's inability to leverage Apple's ecosystem effectively contributed to its lack of traction, as it did not stimulate accessory sales or developer interest [11][12] - The exit of the iPhone Air from the market has created an opportunity for domestic brands to fill the gap in the lightweight flagship segment, which they have already capitalized on with competitive offerings [13][14] Future Prospects - Although the iPhone Air 2 project has been removed from the main production schedule, internal development of prototypes is ongoing, indicating that Apple may revisit this product line in the future [17]

Core Viewpoint - The iPhone Air has faced significant challenges since its launch, leading to production cuts and a lack of consumer interest, ultimately resulting in its withdrawal from the market [5][25][31] Market Response - The iPhone Air's initial sales were disappointing, with only over 50,000 activations in its first week, which is less than one-tenth of the iPhone 17 Pro Max's performance [5] - In major online sales channels like JD and Tmall, the iPhone Air's sales lagged behind both the iPhone 17 series and the older iPhone 16 models, failing to make it into the top ten of small-screen bestsellers [6] - On Amazon, the iPhone Air received a rating of only 4.4, with many users citing serious battery and performance issues compared to the Pro Max [8] Product Positioning - Apple aimed to create a "non-Pro flagship" by simplifying features, removing high-refresh screens and advanced camera capabilities, while retaining the A-series chip and main camera [12] - However, the iPhone Air's stripped-down features did not meet consumer expectations, leading to a perception of it being underwhelming and overpriced compared to the iPhone 17 Pro, which is only $100 more but offers significantly better specifications [15][16] User Experience Issues - The removal of the physical SIM card slot in favor of eSIM led to complications for users in regions where eSIM is not widely supported, causing frustration and connectivity issues [19][20] - The iPhone Air lacked unique features or configurations that could stimulate accessory development or software adaptation, making it less appealing to consumers [22][23] Competitive Landscape - The withdrawal of the iPhone Air has created a gap in the "light flagship" market, which domestic brands like Xiaomi, OPPO, and Honor have already capitalized on, offering competitive products with strong ecosystems [26][27] - Huawei has quickly responded by launching the Mate 70 Air, which is thinner and lighter at a lower price point, indicating a swift shift in market dynamics following Apple's retreat [28][29] Future Prospects - Although the iPhone Air 2 project has been removed from the main production schedule, internal development continues, with plans for improvements in weight, battery capacity, and camera performance [31][32] - The potential for a future return of the iPhone Air remains, though it may not happen soon [33]