iPhone Air’s Lightweight Ambitions Fall Short in China

The total number of activated iPhone Air units in China is currently less than 200,000, confirming previous reports of lower-than-expected sales numbers. By contrast, the iPhone 17 boasts over 4.8 million activated devices, the iPhone 17 Pro has more than 4.9 million, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max exceeds 8.26 million.

Previously it was reported that while the iPhone Air initially launched at a price of 7,499 yuan (approximately $1,075), it can now be found for 5,499 yuan (approximately $788), marking a decrease of about 27%.

The iPhone Air combines a premium, lightweight design with the power of top-tier iPhones, offering the thinnest body in the lineup’s history at approximately 5.6 mm. However, some critics have pointed out its single camera and small battery as drawbacks.

In recent months, discussions in tech circles have highlighted the iPhone Air’s unique selling points, such as its ultra-thin design, which some users have praised for its portability and sleek look. Sadly, this has not fully mitigated consumer concerns over its single-lens camera and battery capacity, especially when compared to the more robust offerings from the same series.

The competitive pricing changes can also be attributed to shifts in China’s tech market, where newer and more competitive models are frequently launched, driving down the prices of earlier releases. As consumers continue to demand more integrated features and battery life, devices like the iPhone 17 series appear to cater more effectively to market expectations.