Apple Keeps iPhone Air Production Steady Despite Rumors of Potential Manufacturing Reductions

/in /tarafından

Apple’s latest ultra-slim iPhone Air, unveiled in September alongside the iPhone 17 series, continues to attract attention—not for a design change this time, but for its production consistency. Despite weeks of speculation hinting at weak demand and a potential manufacturing cut of up to 1 million units, new data points in a different direction. Recent reports suggest that Apple’s production plans for the iPhone Air remain completely unchanged, signaling confidence in the model’s long-term demand.

According to a new investor note shared by TD Cowen and obtained by AppleInsider, Apple has no plans to reduce production of the iPhone Air through 2025. The note, dated October 26, highlights that Apple’s forecasts remain stable, with targets of 3 million units for the third quarter and 7 million units for the fourth quarter of 2025. This steadiness contradicts earlier claims comparing the iPhone Air to the iPhone mini—an earlier compact model that struggled to find a large audience.

Furthermore, TD Cowen estimates that Apple’s broader iPhone 17 lineup is on track for a robust year. The firm projects total builds of 54 million units for the September quarter and 79 million units for the December quarter. These figures reinforce the idea that Apple’s supply chain remains steady, and that demand across its lineup is healthy, even amid global market uncertainty and shifting consumer preferences.

However, production numbers alone don’t paint the full picture. Apple frequently adjusts manufacturing schedules based on internal forecasts rather than direct sales figures. While consistent output suggests steady demand, it could also reflect Apple’s commitment to maintaining a balanced supply chain and avoiding shortages. Either way, the latest reports indicate that the iPhone Air’s performance may be far stronger than initially believed—signaling that Apple’s bold bet on a thinner, sleeker device might just be paying off.

STMicro Forecasts Weak Q4 Sales as Automotive Demand Falters

/in /tarafından

European chipmaker STMicroelectronics projected fourth-quarter revenue below market expectations, citing soft demand from the automotive sector that offset gains in other markets. The company expects revenue of $3.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst forecasts of $3.34 billion, according to LSEG data. Shares fell nearly 8%, making STMicro the worst performer on France’s CAC 40 and Italy’s FTSE MIB indexes.

The Franco-Italian firm, which counts Tesla and Apple among its top customers, said weaker sales to a major electric vehicle client — widely believed to be Tesla — weighed on results. CFO Lorenzo Grandi confirmed that lower demand for silicon carbide chips, used in EVs, led to reduced capital spending plans for 2025. STMicro now plans to invest slightly under $2 billion, down from its previous $2–2.3 billion range.

Analysts from JPMorgan described the current semiconductor recovery as “very muted,” despite signs of improvement in imaging sensor and microcontroller sales. STMicro also reiterated that its cost-cutting program remains on track following resistance in Italy.

Nokia Beats Profit Expectations as AI and Cloud Growth Power Optical Sales

/in /tarafından

Nokia reported a stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit, lifted by booming demand for cloud infrastructure and AI-driven data center equipment following its acquisition of U.S. optical networking firm Infinera. Shares surged 10.6% to €5.20 — their highest level in over three years — adding €3 billion to the company’s market value.

Comparable operating profit reached €435 million ($507 million), well above analysts’ forecasts of €342 million, according to LSEG data. Group net sales rose 12% to €4.83 billion, supported by a 19% increase in optical network revenue on a constant currency basis. AI and cloud clients accounted for 6% of total sales and 14% of Nokia’s network infrastructure revenue.

CEO Justin Hotard said AI and data center demand “continues to accelerate,” underscoring the company’s growing focus beyond traditional mobile networks. Despite headwinds from U.S. tariffs, currency weakness, and losing a key AT&T 5G contract to Ericsson, Nokia upgraded its annual operating profit outlook to a range between €1.7 billion and €2.2 billion.