Has the era of ultra-slim smartphones already come to an end? The disappointing sales of Apple’s iPhone 17 Air have sent shockwaves through the mobile industry—so much so that several top Chinese brands are now backing away from the once-coveted trend of ultra-thin designs. But here’s the twist: this isn’t just about one phone flopping—it might mark a turning point for an entire design philosophy.
A recent DigiTimes report claims that the iPhone Air’s underwhelming performance has made companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo rethink their strategies. All three were reportedly developing their own sleek, lightweight handsets to rival Apple’s minimalist phone—but those projects have now been quietly canceled. The poor reception of the Air seems to have signaled to competitors that consumers aren’t as enthusiastic about thinness as they used to be.
Behind the scenes, the production story paints an even bleaker picture. Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn has scaled back its iPhone production lines, while Luxshare—another major assembler—has completely stopped producing iPhones. To make matters worse, the lead designer of the iPhone Air recently left Apple to join an artificial intelligence startup, and reports suggest that Cupertino has postponed the release of the iPhone Air 2. When a flagship product’s successor is on hold, that usually means the company is rethinking its direction.
Meanwhile, Samsung isn’t fairing much better in the same design arena. Its Galaxy S25 Edge, another slim-profile phone aiming for that elegant form factor, is also struggling in the market. In fact, leaks suggest that Samsung might have already shelved the Galaxy S26 Edge, effectively retreating from the thin-and-light experiment altogether.
Here’s the question that divides opinion: Are consumers finally prioritizing battery life, cooling, and performance over sleek aesthetics? Or do brands simply need to innovate better within the thin-phone category instead of abandoning it? Share your take—are ultra-slim smartphones a fading trend, or do they still deserve a place in the future of flagship design?
