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