The iPhone Air is Apple’s latest attempt to make a fourth iPhone variant. It’s bombing, just like previous similar efforts. It’s clear that the vast majority of customers are happy with the other versions and have no interest in another type of iPhone, no matter what design it uses.
Apple should drop the whole idea. Too many options are as bad as too few.
Nix the iPhone Air: 3 iPhone models is enough
In 2020, Apple introduced the iPhone 12 mini, with a screen smaller than the typical model. It sold poorly and got only a single follow-up.
In 2022, Apple went the opposite direction — the iPhone 14 Plus included a screen larger than the typical model. It also sold poorly and got only a single follow-up.
Last month, Apple tried again with the iPhone Air, a super-slim model. It’s gorgeous, it’s so very light … and it’s not selling well. At this point, it’s likely to get only a single follow-up.
It’s time for Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team to accept that customers are satisfied with the standard iPhone, the iPhone Pro and the iPhone Pro Max. It’s hard to argue with results. After three attempts at a fourth model, none of them have been successful, no matter what design they used. Three duds in a row.
Just drop the idea. Given the light demand, canceling the second-generation iPhone Air and not trying to come up with a replacement would save Apple a considerable amount of time and money while affecting few customers.
But wait, there’s more!
It’s not like there’s too little choice. Counting the oft-overlooked iPhone 16e, there are actually five variants. Cutting out the iPhone Air leaves plenty of options for shoppers. Especially considering the over-the-top iPhone Fold is only a year away.
As it stands now, Apple will soon offer six different iPhone variants. That’s too many. There’s such a thing as choice overload. Shoppers have a harder time making up their minds if presented with too many options. Cutting the iPhone Air makes sense.
