Major iPhone Air Price Cut Hints at Weak Sales and Uncertain Future

Global Price Slashes Signal Trouble for Apple's Slimmest iPhone

Just four months after its September 2025 launch, Apple's iPhone Air is seeing unprecedented price cuts worldwide, a move that has caught the attention of tech watchers and consumers alike.

In China, the 256GB model has plummeted from its original price to as low as 5,499 yuan, thanks to promotions on platforms like Tmall and JD.com combined with national subsidies—a drop of around 2,500 yuan in some cases.

Vietnam's authorized resellers have slashed the price by VND9 million to VND23 million, marking the steepest reduction in Apple's lineup history.

Over in the UK, Amazon trimmed £150 off the unlocked version, bringing it to £849, far exceeding typical iPhone discounts on the site.

Australian retailers like The Good Guys and Amazon Australia followed suit with cuts up to AUD$302, and Vodafone even offered a 33% discount to AU$1,199.

These aggressive markdowns are unusual for Apple products, which rarely see such deep reductions so soon after release, hinting at excess inventory and sluggish demand.

Battery Woes and Design Trade-offs Fuel Buyer Hesitation

The iPhone Air arrived with fanfare as Apple's thinnest and lightest iPhone yet, boasting a titanium build inspired by the successful MacBook Air.

However, its ultra-slim profile came at a cost: a smaller battery that has drawn widespread complaints from early users about short-lived performance.

Social media forums lit up with reports of disappointing endurance, prompting some to return their devices shortly after unboxing.

Compounding this, the model features just a single rear camera and launched at a premium $999 starting price, which many felt didn't justify the compromises compared to fuller-featured rivals.

Tech reviewers praised the "impossibly slim" design and powerful processor but noted the high cost and limited specs as barriers.

"While the build quality is ultra-durable and the form factor is groundbreaking, the battery life falls short for all-day use, and with only one camera, it feels like a step back for power users who expect more from a flagship," said one industry analyst familiar with the matter. |quote|

These issues have contributed to a lukewarm reception, with sales failing to meet expectations despite the innovative aesthetic.

Resale Plunge and Buyer Backlash Underscore Uncertain Path Ahead

Adding to the challenges, the iPhone Air has suffered the sharpest value depreciation of any recent Apple phone.

Data from resale platforms shows it lost 44.3% of its retail value on average within 10 weeks, with the 1TB variant dropping a staggering 47.7%—a record low since tracking began.

In China, where discounts led to quick sell-outs on promotional sites, early buyers expressed frustration online, demanding refunds to offset their losses now that street prices are hundreds of dollars lower.

Apple's suppliers are reportedly reassessing the financial hit from the misstep, as the device's high bill of materials—including custom titanium—eroded profit margins despite the elevated price tag.

Even accessories like the official MagSafe battery have seen rare deals, dropping to $79 from $99, suggesting broader efforts to stimulate interest.

As 2026 unfolds, questions swirl about whether Apple will adjust its strategy for this experimental model or phase it out quietly amid competition from thicker, battery-stronger alternatives.

In summary, the iPhone Air's rapid price drops across markets reflect weak sales driven by battery shortcomings, sparse features, and steep depreciation, leaving its long-term viability in doubt as Apple navigates consumer pushback and inventory overhang.