Core Insights - The recent failures of ultra-thin flagship smartphones, specifically the iPhone Air and Samsung S25 Edge, indicate a significant shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics [1][2][4] - Despite initial hype and high expectations, the actual sales performance of these models has been disappointing, leading to production cuts and reconsideration of future releases by other manufacturers [5][8] Group 1: Product Performance - The iPhone Air has been labeled a "failure" with a first-week activation volume of only over 50,000 units, significantly lower than the iPhone 17 series, which collectively exceeded 1 million activations in the same timeframe [2][4] - The S25 Edge has also underperformed, with its price dropping from 7999 yuan to 4999 yuan within five months of launch, indicating poor market reception [13] Group 2: Market Trends - The ultra-thin smartphone segment appears to be struggling, with overall sales estimated to account for less than 1% of the market, raising questions about the demand for such devices [2][4] - Manufacturers like Xiaomi have paused plans for similar models, reflecting a cautious approach in response to the lackluster performance of the iPhone Air [5] Group 3: Consumer Preferences - Consumer feedback suggests that the desire for ultra-thin devices is often outweighed by the need for better battery life and camera performance, which are compromised in thinner models [8][10] - The pricing strategy of the iPhone Air, set at 7999 yuan, has led consumers to compare it unfavorably with the iPhone 17 Pro, which offers superior features for a similar price [10][11] Group 4: Future Outlook - The only remaining major player in the ultra-thin segment appears to be Huawei, which is reportedly moving forward with the Mate 70 Air, although its success remains uncertain [7][8] - The industry may need to rethink the value proposition of ultra-thin smartphones, as relying solely on the "lightweight" feature is insufficient to attract consumers [14]