Apple's iPhone Air Sees Steepest Price Drop in Vietnam Amid Weak Demand

Apple’s iPhone Air has seen the steepest price drop in the Vietnamese market, losing around 28% of its launch price over the past year as demand remains weak. The 256GB version is now selling for about VND23 million (US$883) at major retailers, down roughly VND9 million from its launch price late last year. In comparison, prices of the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro have fallen by only around 2-6%. The sharp discount reflects sluggish demand for the Air, despite the model representing one of Apple’s biggest changes to the iPhone lineup in years. Nguyen Lac Huy, a spokesperson for electronics retailer CellphoneS, told Dan Tri that the Air recorded the lowest sales among iPhones launched in 2025, accounting for only about 5% of that generation’s sales at the retailer. He said the model still appeals to a niche group of buyers attracted to its thin and lightweight design. Other major retailers have reported a similar pattern. Van Thi Ngoc Yen, Apple category director at Di Dong Viet, said Air sales were far lower than those of the iPhone 17 series. Repeated price cuts have also pushed the Air into direct competition with the base iPhone 17, even though the latter was originally positioned in a lower price segment. Yen said the iPhone 17 remains more popular among Vietnamese consumers. A spokesperson for Minh Tuan Mobile said the base model continued to lead unit sales because it appeals to a wider customer base and offers a stronger balance of price, features, and overall user experience. The Air’s weak performance in Vietnam mirrors signs of softer demand globally. According to Counterpoint Research, the 17 was the world's best-selling smartphone in the second quarter of 2026, followed by the 17 Pro Max and 17 Pro. The two-year-old 16 ranked 10th, while the Air did not make the global top 10. The Air represented a major departure from Apple's conventional iPhone lineup, prioritizing an exceptionally thin and lightweight design. Its slim profile, however, came with trade-offs, including a single rear camera and limited space for the battery. Apple is now preparing a second-generation Air for spring 2027, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The new model, currently in advanced testing, is expected to retain the slim design while addressing two of the current version's main limitations. Prototypes feature a second rear camera for ultrawide photography, while Apple is also working to improve battery life.