iPhone air Struggles to Gain Traction as Apple Eyes Foldable Future
Apple’s enterprising redesign of the iPhone with the introduction of the iPhone Air last year appears to be falling short of expectations, according to new market research. Despite representing the biggest change to the company’s flagship smartphone in nearly a decade, the thinner device has not resonated with consumers to the same degree as its counterparts in the iPhone 17 lineup.
Limited Adoption of the iPhone Air
Data released by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) indicates that only 6% of U.S.iPhone buyers, surveyed during the quarter ending in December, opted for the iPhone air – the first full quarter of its availability. This figure significantly lags behind the adoption rates of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Comparatively, 22% chose the standard iPhone 17, 25% selected the iPhone 17 pro, and 27% preferred the premium iPhone 17 Pro Max. The findings were shared with CNN prior to their official release on wednesday.
Apple (AAPL) is scheduled to report its quarterly results on Thursday.
Apple remained silent regarding sales figures for the iPhone Air, future release plans, or potential production adjustments. However, additional data from CIRP confirms a substantial gap in consumer interest between the Air and other recent iPhone models. The CIRP report is based on a survey of 500 U.S. consumers who purchased an Apple product between October and December 2025.
Reports from The Information in November indicated that Apple is delaying the second-generation iPhone Air due to underwhelming sales. Nikkei Asian Review also reported that Apple reduced iPhone Air production last fall, shifting orders to the more popular models.
According to one CIRP analyst, a key factor in the iPhone Air’s lackluster performance may be a lack of consumer demand for thinner phones. “People don’t care about thin phones,” the analyst explained. Most buyers who purchased the iPhone Air were simply upgrading from older devices, not specifically seeking a slimmer design.
This sentiment was echoed by Carolina Milanesi, president and principal analyst at Creative Strategies. “Consumers don’t go into stores saying,’I wish it were lighter!'” Milanesi stated. “We’re used to carrying what we carry. so it wasn’t a problem in itself.”
Apple’s History with Fourth iPhone Models
Apple has previously struggled to establish a successful fourth iPhone model. The iPhone Mini and iPhone plus, designed to offer smaller and larger screen options, were ultimately discontinued due to low demand.
the iPhone Air currently distinguishes itself only through its thinner profile. The iPhone 17 Pro Max boasts the largest screen,longest battery life,and a three-lens camera system. The iPhone 17 Pro offers a balance of features and affordability, while the standard iPhone 17 remains the most accessible option, still providing an extra camera and improved battery life compared to the Air, despite the Air’s larger screen and more powerful chip.
“The iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max and base model 17 cover a lot of the features,” explained a CIRP analyst. “And they get a lot of the attention.”
Engineering for the Future: Foldable iPhones on the Horizon
The iPhone Air’s unique internal design – with chips integrated into the camera module – allows for a slimmer form factor without significantly compromising battery life. This innovation could prove crucial for the progress of a future foldable iPhone, which typically requires more space and tends to be thicker when closed.
Early adopters are typically drawn to innovative designs like the iPhone Air and foldable phones, representing a vital, though smaller, segment of the smartphone market. “It’s a key part of how Apple presents itself as a leader in design and technology,” Milanesi said.”I may not buy the Air, but I still think Apple is the better company as they launched the Air. So there is that positive effect that you get from a brand viewpoint.”
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