Analysts clash over iPhone Air demand forecasts
Analysts remain divided over the iPhone Air’s performance, with conflicting reports about production and demand emerging from major research firms. TD Cowen maintains Apple has not altered manufacturing plans, projecting 3 million units for the third quarter and 7 million for the fourth quarter based on field research. This contradicts assessments from KeyBanc Capital and Ming-Chi Kuo, who reported minimal consumer interest and projected capacity cuts exceeding 80 percent among suppliers.
Jefferies added to the confusion by reporting that lead times for the iPhone Air in China have dropped to nearly zero, while wait times for the iPhone 17 Pro have similarly vanished. The firm noted that overall iPhone sales in China grew 19 percent year over year for the first five weeks after the iPhone 17 launch. The sharp decline in iPhone Air lead times appears concerning, given the device’s previous success in China, where its eSIM-only feature had attracted buyers.
