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Leaker claims poor sales of the iPhone 16e as iPhone Air production ceases

The leaker who first revealed the name of the iPhone 16e is now saying that demand for the device has been very low. However, they say that despite this setback, Apple is for now still planning to proceed with plans for the iPhone 17e.

They also say that production of the iPhone Air has now ceased completely, following an earlier report that output levels had been slashed …

The iPhone 16e

The iPhone 16E replaced the iPhone SE as Apple’s entry-level model, intended to attract Android users who were unwilling to pay the premium prices of flagship iPhone models.

While the iPhone SE had been updated at random intervals, the iPhone 16E name seemed to strongly hint at annual revisions. It was leaker Fixed Focus Digital who first reported the name before the phone was officially announced, and who subsequently spotted evidence of plans for annual updates.

Reports have suggested that next year’s version will be a relatively modest refresh set to launch in the spring.

Leaker says demand is low

The same source now says that the iPhone 16e is not selling well, but plans for the 17e will go ahead.

iPhone Air and iPhone 16E are not selling well [but] at present, both models will be updated as planned, the 17E in the spring.

iPhone Air production has now ceased

Top comment by LeonardoM

Liked by 10 people

iPhone Air flop is because of the premium price.

Why would people pay a Pro price for a less-capable-than-regular device?

Drop the price, keep one camera.

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It was last month reported that iPhone Air orders had been slashed to almost end-of-production levels. Fixed Focus Digital says that production of the device has now ceased altogether.

Work on it has been stopped.

It’s unclear whether the cessation is permanent, with no more of the models to be made, or just a hiatus as Apple waits to clear a backlog of stock.

A major reason for limited interest in the super-sleek model appears to have been the compromise of just a single camera. It was recently reported that Apple is now exploring a second-generation model with two cameras instead of one and has delayed the planned launch for this reason.

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Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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