Core Viewpoint - Foxconn has suspended nearly all production lines for the iPhone Air, indicating a halt in Apple's attempt to develop a "super-thin flagship" model [1][2]. Production Status - Foxconn has stopped most iPhone Air assembly, retaining only one complete line and half a line for transitional production, with a complete shutdown expected by the end of November [1] - Luxshare Precision has also completed its last orders for the iPhone Air by the end of October [1]. Market Performance - The iPhone Air accounted for only about 3% of Apple's overall smartphone sales as of September, significantly lower than the iPhone 17 Pro (9%) and iPhone 17 Pro Max (12%) [3] - The iPhone mini, which was discontinued last year, had a higher early lifecycle share of 5% to 6% [3]. - Analysts attribute the weak market performance of the iPhone Air to three main reasons: focus on "lightweight" features at the expense of battery life and performance, pricing close to flagship models, and competition from higher-performance or better-value models [3]. Future Product Development - The next-generation iPhone Air (codename "V62") has been removed from the product roadmap, originally planned for a 2026 launch alongside the iPhone 18 series [4]. - Apple is not abandoning the project but is redesigning its hardware, considering the addition of a second rear camera module to enhance its imaging capabilities [4][5]. Strategic Adjustments - The iPhone Air's design aimed to create a "light flagship" segment between high-end and standard models, focusing on ultra-thin and lightweight structures [5]. - The decision to add a second camera module is seen as a key step to improve competitiveness and attract more mainstream users [5]. - The suspension of production is viewed as a strategic adjustment rather than a failure, with Apple responding quickly to market signals [7]. Industry Implications - The production halt is expected to impact several upstream and downstream partners involved in the iPhone Air's supply chain, including suppliers of shells, screens, and camera modules [6]. - Market research indicates that Apple's retreat from the iPhone Air may signal a future focus on flagship and foldable devices, as well as a reevaluation of product definitions in the post-iPhone era [7].

Core Insights - Apple is facing challenges in finding new popular iPhone variants, as evidenced by the poor sales of the first-generation iPhone Air, leading to a significant reduction in its production [1][4]. Production and Sales - Apple has drastically cut the production of the first-generation iPhone Air, with Foxconn dismantling all but one production line and planning to cease production by the end of the month [3]. - The iPhone Air has only captured 3% of total iPhone sales in September, compared to 9% for the iPhone 17 Pro and 12% for the iPhone 17 Pro Max [5]. - The iPhone Air's inventory remains high, with ample stock available both online and offline, contrasting sharply with other models [3]. Product Development and Future Plans - Apple has postponed the release of the second-generation iPhone Air, originally planned for fall 2024, without providing a new release date [6]. - The new iPhone Air was expected to be lighter and have improved battery capacity, utilizing advanced cooling technology from the iPhone 17 Pro [6]. - Despite the postponement, the development of the second-generation iPhone Air, internally codenamed V62, is still ongoing, with a potential release in spring 2027 alongside the standard iPhone 18 and the budget-friendly 18e [6].

Product Performance & User Experience - iPhone mini owners are advised against downloading beta software due to potential issues [1] - Replacing the battery might improve the performance of older iPhones [1] - A factory reset after backing up data could potentially enhance performance for older phones [1] - SIM card usage may be slowing down the device and impacting battery life [1] End-of-Life Considerations - It might be time to consider replacing the iPhone mini [2] - Users should make peace with the device's limitations and plan for the next step [2]