Are Skinny Phones Falling Out of Favor? Dismal iPhone Air Sales Raise Concerns

The future of slim smartphones like the iPhone Air seems bleak after a troubling report on its sales performance. According to a reputable Japanese publication, Apple has significantly reduced orders for the iPhone Air, indicating a lack of demand usually seen towards the end of a product’s lifecycle.

The report highlights Apple’s decision to cut iPhone Air orders while increasing orders for the iPhone 17 series, which continues to perform well overall. This shift in demand forecasts has led to a decrease in the expected sales figures for the iPhone Air.

A source from the supply chain revealed that iPhone Air orders for November are less than 10% of what they were in September, painting a grim picture for the new device.

The Decline of Slim Phones

This recent development adds to the growing skepticism surrounding slim smartphone designs. Following disappointing sales of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, rumors surfaced about Samsung canceling plans for a successor, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, introduced in mid-2025, faced criticism for its subpar battery life and compromised camera system, all in the pursuit of a slim form factor that offered little tangible benefits.

Motorola’s Approach with the Moto X70 Air

Motorola aims to rejuvenate interest in slim smartphones with the upcoming Moto X70 Air, set to launch globally as the Motorola Edge 70. The company’s marketing promises seamless multitasking, powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, enhanced RAM, and ample storage capacity.

Motorola emphasizes extended battery life and long-term software support, addressing common concerns with previous slim phone models. The affordability of the Moto X70 Air may position it as a competitive alternative to high-priced devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air.

Perhaps the slim phone market isn’t obsolete but rather in need of a pricing strategy that resonates with consumers, offering a ray of hope for manufacturers like Motorola.