After years of buying iPhone Pro models, this year Apple tempted me away with its ultra-thin iPhone Air. And the new model has easily exceeded my expectations. But rumors of lackluster sales and a new third-party report have me worried about the iPhone Air’s future.
iPhone Air: Fantastic product, but maybe a sales letdown
Ever since the first rumors of an ultra-thin iPhone started swirling last year, I’ve found myself strongly drawn to the new model.
Apple’s iPhone lineup has had very few significant changes in recent years, at least in terms of design. I typically buy a new iPhone every year, but there was a lengthy stretch where it was hard to notice much difference from year to year—again, with exterior design primarily.
So the radically thin iPhone Air seemed like just the kind of iPhone X-style model from the future that I’d been wanting.
And to my surprise, it’s been even better than I expected.
Battery life and durability have consistently impressed me, and I’ve yet to miss the extra cameras I lost from the Pro line. Everyone I’ve talked to who has the Air loves it.
But despite the iPhone Air’s strengths, I’m worried it’s not selling well enough.
Apple hasn’t revealed official sales numbers, and it probably won’t do so in its quarterly earnings next week either.
However, analysts have observed softer demand for the Air than the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup.
And now today, there’s a new sign of trouble: Samsung’s ultra-thin model is being canceled.
Samsung’s iPhone Air competitor is being discontinued
9to5Google reports that Samsung has canceled plans for any future Galaxy Edge devices.
Sales of the current ultra-thin Edge model have apparently been significantly below Samsung’s projections. So it’s axing the Edge line altogether, effective immediately. There won’t be an S26 Edge, and the current model will be discontinued after stock runs out.
Based on leaked sales numbers, it’s easy to see why. Ben Schoon writes:
the Galaxy S25 Edge sold just 190,000 units in its first month, and had only sold 1.31 million units as of August. By contrast, the Galaxy S25 sold 8.28 million units in that same timeframe, while Galaxy S25 Ultra sold 12.18 million units. Even the Galaxy S25+ managed to sell 5.05 million in the same timeframe. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Edge is on fire sale right now and can be purchased for as little as $689.
Do Samsung’s lackluster sales necessarily mean the iPhone Air is struggling too? No, but combined with the existing analyst reporting, things don’t look great.
Currently, Apple is expected to launch an iPhone Air 2 next year, plus a new foldable model (iPhone Ultra?) that looks similar but with a unique form factor.
Those plans could always change if the iPhone Air is a true flop. But I’d really hate to see the Air go away so soon.
In my mind, iPhone Air has delivered on everything it promised. It feels like the new standard for the iPhone, and I’d hate to go back to a thicker model.
Do you think the iPhone Air will have a bright future in Apple’s lineup? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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