Apple’s push to dominate the ultra-thin smartphone market appears to have triggered a wider industry rethink after the commercial underperformance of the iPhone Air. Industry sources cited by DigiTimes suggest that major Android brands — including Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo — have halted or revised development of devices with similar ultra-slim profiles.
The iPhone Air, measuring just 5.6 mm thick, is among the thinnest smartphones available today, edging out competitors such as Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge and Motorola’s Edge 70. Achieving that profile required significant trade-offs, including a reduced 3,149 mAh battery and the removal of both ultrawide and telephoto cameras offered on Apple’s Pro models. According to reports, production of the device is expected to stop by the end of November.
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DigiTimes wrote that industry sources believe compact dimensions did not compensate for the reduced feature set, noting that “the company’s latest flop could have an impact on its competitors.” The report indicates that Xiaomi had been developing a model nearly as thin as the iPhone Air before discontinuing the project. Samsung has also reportedly abandoned a follow-up to the Galaxy S25 Edge after tepid market performance.
Despite plans for a second-generation iPhone Air, the next model is not expected before 2027. Analysts say that other manufacturers appear disinclined to pursue similar designs in the near term.
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Attention now turns to Motorola’s Edge 70, which remains one of the thinnest premium smartphones but offers a larger 4,800 mAh battery and dual 50 MP rear cameras while undercutting Apple’s and Samsung’s pricing. Whether it resonates with customers could influence if the slim-profile segment finds a stable footing or fades as a short-lived industry trend.