Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Apple’s Budget iPhones Stumble as iPhone Air Production Winds Down, 16e Reported to Lag

Weak demand reports are prompting a delayed Air successor alongside a rumored spring 2026 launch for iPhone 17e.

Overview

  • An Asia-based Weibo leaker claims the entry-level iPhone 16e is selling poorly and calls Apple’s low-cost push a failure, a characterization that remains unverified.
  • Industry reporting says iPhone Air demand has been low and that production is expected to stop by the end of this month.
  • The Information reports Apple has delayed the previously planned fall 2026 launch of a second-generation iPhone Air.
  • Rumors point to successors on the way, with iPhone 17e targeted for spring 2026 and iPhone Air 2 arriving later, though Apple has not confirmed timing or specifications.
  • While entry-tier models struggle, reports say iPhone 17 demand is rising with increased production orders.