Apple might discontinue another iPhone model, a move that has happened before.

Recent speculation suggests Samsung may have halted the Galaxy S26 Edge, while Apple has reportedly decreased iPhone Air production due to poor sales.

Is there a comparison with the iPhone Mini, and could the iPhone Air share a similar fate, potentially lasting only two versions? Let's explore.

A key similarity between the iPhone Mini and the iPhone Air is that both sacrifice essential features for design. The Mini aimed to be compact and easy to use with one hand. The iPhone Air prioritizes being thin, light, and pocket-friendly.

Both phones make similar compromises, mainly in battery performance. Smaller or thinner designs require smaller batteries, which impacts battery life.

The iPhone 12 Mini had a 2227 mAh battery that struggled to last a full day, despite its 5.4-inch screen. The iPhone Air has a larger 3,149 mAh battery, but its 6.5-inch screen and processor quickly deplete it in a day.

Battery life is consistently a high-priority feature for PhoneArena readers, based on numerous polls. Apple seems to prefer launching a MagSafe battery accessory instead, acknowledging the Air's limitations. The iPhone 12 and 13 Mini's poor battery life led to the creation of the MagSafe battery pack, resolving the battery issue but compromising the compact design.

The reintroduction of the MagSafe battery after the iPhone Air's release creates a sense of repetition. Is there a point to making the thinnest phone, only to add a bulky external battery? Motorola's Moto Z line from 2016 featured a thin phone with attachable mods, including a battery pack. The phone was only 5.2 mm thick, and many were sold with the battery mod included.

The Motorola Z line and the iPhone Mini were both discontinued. The Moto Z's failure was multifaceted, but the thin design and battery mod are relevant.

Beyond price, the iPhone Mini and iPhone Air occupy niche positions. The iPhone 12 Mini lacked demand for small phones, a similar situation with the iPhone Air. Samsung and Apple seem to be chasing trends that don't align with consumer needs.

While the iPhone Mini is appealing, its sales numbers reflect a lack of broad demand for small phones. The iPhone Air is initially exciting, but its drawbacks, like its single camera and battery life, become apparent. The iPhone 17 offers 30% better battery performance than the Air, a crucial difference for some users. Practical features often outweigh the "cool factor" of the iPhone Mini or Air.

Price is also a key factor in buying decisions. While the iPhone Mini was the cheapest at launch, the price difference to the standard iPhone 12 was small. Consumers chose the slightly more expensive model for its larger screen and battery, impacting Mini sales.

The iPhone Air is in a tougher spot. Its $999 price is high for its features, as the standard iPhone 17 offers better value. The price difference to the Pro model is small enough that consumers are choosing the Pro, leaving the iPhone Air in an awkward position.

The Air may have one more generation to succeed, similar to the iPhone Mini's trajectory. Sales and financial losses are key indicators for companies, so the iPhone Air's future is uncertain.

The iPhone 13 Mini was an interesting experiment. Apple should learn from this and focus on creating trends while listening to user feedback.

What are your thoughts on the iPhone Air? Will it last?

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