Why Smartphone Makers Are Suddenly Backing Away From Super-Thin Designs

Several Chinese smartphone makers have reportedly halted or reworked their plans for upcoming ultra-thin phones after the iPhone Air failed to gain traction in the market. Apple introduced the iPhone Air earlier this year as its thinnest iPhone yet, measuring 5.6mm at its slimmest point. The design was meant to stand out at a time when most premium phones were getting heavier and bulkier. However, the device did not perform as expected, leading rival brands to rethink similar projects. Also Read: Vivo X200T Specifications Leak Ahead Of Expected India Launch: What We Know

Chinese Brands Change Plans After iPhone Air’s Poor Response

According to reports from Sina Finance and DigiTimes, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo have either paused development or shifted resources away from their ultra-thin phone lineups. The report notes that Apple’s own suppliers, including Foxconn and Luxshare, have dismantled or stopped production lines dedicated to the iPhone Air due to low demand. Also Read: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leak Reveals Battery Upgrade, New Colours And Design Changes

The underwhelming performance of the iPhone Air has made other manufacturers cautious. These companies were reportedly exploring ultra-slim designs that would compete directly with Apple’s approach. However, concerns over user experience, durability and feature compromises appear to have forced a change in direction. Also Read: Samsung Beats Apple! World’s First 2nm Mobile Exynos 2600 Chip Is Here, Galaxy S26 Series Likely to Get It

What Xiaomi and Vivo Were Planning

Xiaomi was said to be working on a “true Air model” intended to rival Apple’s device in terms of thinness. Vivo was reportedly developing an ultra-thin phone under its S-series lineup. Both projects have now been put on hold with no clarity on future timelines. The report also notes that brands have reallocated resources, including eSIM-related development, toward more traditional smartphone designs.

Samsung and Apple Also Adjusting Ultra-Thin Plans

The shift is not limited to Chinese brands. Samsung is also reported to have cancelled the Galaxy S26 Edge, the successor to the ultra-slim Galaxy S25 Edge. Meanwhile, Apple itself is rumoured to have delayed work on the second-generation iPhone Air. The company is said to be planning a redesign that could improve battery life and camera performance, two areas highlighted in user feedback.