Apple reportedly cuts iPhone Air production while other models thrive

**Apple Slashes Production of Ultra-Thin iPhone Air Amid Weak Demand**

Apple has reportedly decided to cut production of the ultra-thin iPhone Air due to weaker-than-expected demand. The company had high hopes for this model, believing it would finally win the affection of users after previous attempts with the mini iPhone and a lower-priced non-Pro version of the Pro Max had fallen short.

### The iPhone Air: Sleek and Impressive

You don’t need to be an iPhone fanatic to appreciate the design of the iPhone Air. At just 5.6 mm thick, it is the thinnest iPhone ever made—almost 19% thinner than the iPhone 6, which measured 6.9 mm and previously held the title since its 2014 release.

Despite its slim profile, Apple managed to pack enough power into the iPhone Air to provide all-day battery life. The device houses a 3,149 mAh battery in eSIM-only models and a 3,036 mAh battery in versions with a physical eSIM, showcasing impressive engineering to balance form and function.

### Camera and Pricing

The iPhone Air features Apple’s 48MP Fusion camera on the rear. However, unlike the Pro models, it lacks separate Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses. The device supports up to 2x optical zoom but does not offer ultra wide-angle photography.

Starting at $999, Apple also offers customers the option to finance the phone over 24 months at $41.62 per month.

### Production Cuts and Market Reception

According to a report by South Korea’s The Elec and analysis from a Mizuho Securities analyst, Apple is reportedly cutting iPhone Air production by approximately one million units due to lower-than-anticipated demand. Meanwhile, production of other models is increasing, with the iPhone 17 seeing a hike of two million units, and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max boosted by one million and four million units respectively.

Analysts suggest consumers are gravitating toward the more familiar iPhone 17 series models rather than experimenting with the iPhone Air. This consumer preference is reflected in a recent survey asking whether users would purchase the iPhone Air:

– 12.5% responded: *Yes, it’s just so cool looking.*
– 50% replied: *No, I don’t want to give up on “Pro” features.*
– 37.5% said: *I’m not buying an iPhone model.*

### Why the iPhone Air Might Be Struggling

Ironically, one reason behind the iPhone Air’s lagging sales could be the improvements introduced in the base iPhone 17 model. This year, Apple outfitted the entry-level iPhone 17 with a ProMotion display, featuring a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. Additionally, its video playback battery life increased significantly to 30 hours, up from 22 hours in the previous iPhone 16.

### Current Availability and Delivery Times

Despite the positive reception of other models, the iPhone 17 remains in high demand with order wait times of two to three weeks in countries including the U.S., U.K., France, China, Japan, and Switzerland.

### The iPhone Fold: A Future Vision?

While the iPhone Air may not be meeting sales expectations, it may still serve an important purpose for Apple—as a proof of concept. Bloomberg has described the upcoming foldable iPhone as essentially two iPhone Air units placed side-by-side.

Initially, reports suggested that the foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Fold, would launch next year. However, new information points to a possible delay until 2027, as Apple reportedly has yet to finalize key design components such as the hinge mechanism.

### Review and Final Thoughts

In our recent review, the iPhone Air scored 7.4 out of 10 points. We praised its fast, bright, and vivid display and unique, ultra-thin design. However, the review also noted shortcomings, such as weak and flat mono speakers, subpar rear camera performance, and the device’s tendency to run hot under load.

The iPhone Air is available in four colors: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue.

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https://www.phonearena.com/news/apple-reportedly-cuts-iphone-air-production_id174980

OpenSea Sees Token Trading Pivot With $SEA Token Planned for 2026, Expanding Beyond NFT Marketplaces

OpenSea Now Sees Token Trading Dominating Volume: Over 90% of Activity Comes from Tokens, Not NFTs

OpenSea is pivoting from a pure NFT marketplace to a multi-asset, on-chain trading hub, as recent data reveals that more than 90% of its trading volume now comes from tokens rather than traditional NFTs. This strategic shift comes amid a fading momentum in the NFT market, with OpenSea aiming to expand its scope beyond collectibles into a broader financial ecosystem.

What Is OpenSea’s Pivot to Token Trading?

OpenSea is evolving from a singular focus on NFTs to becoming a cross-asset, on-chain trading platform. Central to this pivot is the launch of the EA token scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The new token will power a variety of features including staking, governance, and access to a mobile application currently in closed alpha testing.

This transformation enables OpenSea to offer trading across diverse asset classes such as tokens and perpetual contracts, in addition to NFTs. The company aims to capture a larger share of on-chain finance by supporting broader liquidity solutions.

How Does the EA Token Work within OpenSea’s Ecosystem?

The EA token is designed to be an integral element of OpenSea’s expanded ecosystem. At launch, 50% of the token allocation will be dedicated to the community, supporting decentralized participation. Additionally, the remaining half of OpenSea’s revenue will be allocated to token buybacks, which can help maintain token value and enhance liquidity.

Token holders will have the ability to stake their tokens and participate in governance decisions that shape the platform’s future. The upcoming mobile app—now in closed alpha—will further foster user engagement and cross-chain liquidity ambitions, enabling trading access to a wide range of crypto and tokenized assets.

Context: NFT Market Momentum Is Fading

The NFT market experienced explosive growth during 2021 and 2022 but has since faced a slow recovery. While there have been occasional bursts of activity, overall NFT volumes on major blockchains remain muted compared to their peak levels.

Meanwhile, token trading has steadily increased as a proportion of OpenSea’s platform activity. Even leading projects that once defined the NFT boom have seen their volumes and valuations decline significantly. This challenging environment has influenced OpenSea’s leadership to reposition the platform beyond cultural collectibles into a more comprehensive, finance-oriented trading hub.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Pivot

OpenSea’s pivot is not merely an expansion of its product line but a survival and strategic positioning move. Executives describe it as an evolution in line with broader industry trends toward tokenized ecosystems and decentralized finance (DeFi) utilities embedded within consumer platforms.

This approach aligns OpenSea with a growing movement in Web3, focused on governance, staking, and integrated financial models that extend beyond NFTs into fungible tokens and other on-chain assets. The company aims to become a hub where digital ownership and on-chain financial primitives coexist, driving sustained engagement through enhanced liquidity and cross-asset participation.

EA Token: A Fresh Start for a Fading Era

To support this next phase, OpenSea will launch the EA token in Q1 2026. Half of the token supply is allocated directly to the community, fostering decentralized growth and participation. OpenSea will dedicate 50% of its revenue to buying back the token, reinforcing its market value and demand.

The token will serve multiple purposes, including staking and governance, giving users influence over the platform’s direction. The launch also coincides with the rollout of a closed-alpha mobile app designed to facilitate cross-chain trading and liquidity.

OpenSea describes this move as building “a broader, on-chain liquidity layer,” enabling users to seamlessly stake, govern, and trade across tokens and other digital assets from within a unified platform.

Is the NFT Boom Truly Over?

OpenSea’s rebrand signals both an evolution and a retreat from the purely culture-driven NFT marketplace model. With the largest marketplace pivoting toward fungible tokens and integrated financial products, it suggests a wider industry shift from isolated NFT booms toward a more holistic, multi-asset crypto environment.

As the market consolidates, industry watchers will closely observe the EA token’s rollout and OpenSea’s broader product developments to gauge the platform’s success in navigating these changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Why is OpenSea pivoting away from NFTs? The shift responds to changing market dynamics and rising token trading volumes, aiming to become a multi-asset, on-chain trading hub.
  • What is the EA token launch about? Scheduled for Q1 2026, with 50% community allocation and half of OpenSea’s revenue allocated to buybacks; it will support staking, governance, and unlock access to a new mobile app.
  • Strategic context: The pivot reflects fading NFT momentum and greater emphasis on cross-asset liquidity and on-chain finance within crypto ecosystems.

Conclusion

OpenSea’s transformation from a single-purpose NFT marketplace into a multi-asset, on-chain trading hub marks a deliberate strategic shift shaped by evolving market trends and long-term crypto ecosystem growth. With the EA token launch, OpenSea is positioning itself to blend cultural leadership with enhanced financial utility, opening new pathways for user engagement and platform sustainability.

COINOTAG will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on how this transition affects users, liquidity, and the broader market landscape.

Author: COINOTAG

Published: October 17, 2025 | Updated: October 18, 2025

https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/nft/opensea-sees-token-trading-pivot-with-sea-token-planned-for-2026-expanding-beyond-nft-marketplaces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=opensea-sees-token-trading-pivot-with-sea-token-planned-for-2026-expanding-beyond-nft-marketplaces

BlackRock Unveils Treasury Liquidity Fund to Manage Stablecoin Reserves

**BlackRock Launches Revamped Fund to Manage Stablecoin Reserves**

BlackRock, one of the world’s largest asset managers with $13.5 trillion in assets, is expanding its footprint in the stablecoin market by launching a restructured money market fund designed specifically to manage reserves for US dollar-pegged stablecoins. This move aligns with the new regulatory landscape and positions BlackRock as a key player in the rapidly growing stablecoin sector, which is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2030.

### Strategic Push into Stablecoin Reserve Management

In response to increasing demand for secure and liquid reserve options, BlackRock has revamped one of its key money market funds, now renamed the **BlackRock Select Treasury Based Liquidity Fund (BSTBL)**. The fund’s primary objective is to provide a safe, liquid vehicle for stablecoin issuers to manage their reserves. It invests exclusively in short-term US Treasury securities and overnight repurchase agreements, ensuring both safety and high liquidity.

Jon Steel, the global head of BlackRock’s cash management business, emphasized the company’s commitment:
*“We want to be and we believe we are a preeminent reserve manager.”*

This statement highlights BlackRock’s goal to capture a larger share of the stablecoin market as demand for secure reserve solutions grows alongside stablecoin adoption.

### Compliance with the GENIUS Act

The redesigned BSTBL fund is tailored to comply with the new regulatory framework introduced under the GENIUS Act, signed into law earlier this year. The GENIUS Act sets forth guidelines requiring stablecoin issuers to maintain their reserves in safe, highly liquid forms.

By focusing its investments solely on short-term US Treasury securities and repurchase agreements, BlackRock’s fund meets these stringent requirements, providing stablecoin issuers with a compliant and reliable reserve management solution. This regulatory alignment enhances BlackRock’s appeal to issuers looking to meet both immediate and long-term reserve management needs.

### Longer Trading Hours and Institutional Focus

To better serve institutional investors—including stablecoin issuers—the BSTBL fund has extended its trading hours until 5:00 pm Eastern Time. This adjustment provides greater flexibility for investors operating across multiple time zones. Moreover, the fund’s valuation times have been pushed back to support global trading schedules, enabling more efficient and transparent fund management.

BlackRock’s focus on institutional investors is clear, as the stablecoin market is primarily driven by large financial entities. Offering a yield-bearing reserve option with extended trading hours positions the BSTBL fund as an attractive tool for issuers aiming to comply with the GENIUS Act and optimize their reserve strategies.

### Expanding BlackRock’s Digital Asset Strategy

This move into stablecoin reserve management complements BlackRock’s broader digital asset strategy. The firm is already active in the cryptocurrency space with products such as its Bitcoin ETF, Ether product, and a tokenized liquidity fund launched earlier this year.

The revamped BSTBL fund reinforces BlackRock’s commitment to the digital assets sector and its ambition to be a leading reserve manager for US dollar-pegged stablecoins. BlackRock has already established partnerships with issuers like Circle, the company behind USDC, further solidifying its reputation as a trusted reserve manager.

### Outlook

With stablecoin adoption on the rise and the market expected to expand exponentially, BlackRock’s strategic initiative to redesign its money market fund and align with new regulatory standards positions it to benefit from growing demand for secure, compliant reserve management solutions.

By proactively catering to the needs of stablecoin issuers, BlackRock is set to become an integral player in this dynamic and fast-evolving financial sector.
https://coincentral.com/blackrock-unveils-treasury-liquidity-fund-to-manage-stablecoin-reserves/

Add these seeds to your daily diet

By Anujj Trehaan | Oct 06, 2025 | 01:35 PM

**What’s the story?**

Seeds are tiny powerhouses of nutrition, making them an essential part of a healthy diet. They are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Adding seeds to your daily meals can be an easy way to boost your nutrient intake without making drastic changes to your diet.

Here are five must-try seeds that can significantly enhance your daily nutrition.

### 1. Chia Seeds: The Fiber Powerhouse

Chia seeds are famous for their high fiber content, which helps with digestion and keeps blood sugar levels stable. These tiny black seeds are also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health. Just two tablespoons of chia seeds give you 10 grams of fiber—more than one-third of the daily recommended intake for adults.

### 2. Flaxseeds: Rich in Omega-3s

Flaxseeds are an amazing source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain and heart health. They also provide lignans, which have antioxidant properties. To reap the maximum benefits, flaxseeds should be ground before consumption, as whole flaxseeds may pass through the digestive system undigested. Two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds provide about four grams of protein and eight grams of fiber.

### 3. Pumpkin Seeds: Nutrient-Dense Snack

Pumpkin seeds make for an excellent snack option as they are loaded with magnesium, zinc, and iron. These nutrients are essential for bone health, immune function, and energy production. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body. A quarter-cup serving gives you around 14 grams of protein and more than 40% of the daily recommended magnesium intake.

### 4. Sunflower Seeds: Vitamin E Boost

Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage by free radicals. They also provide healthy fats that promote cardiovascular health when consumed as part of a balanced diet. A quarter-cup serving offers about six grams of protein along with significant amounts of copper and selenium.

### 5. Sesame Seeds: Calcium Source

Sesame seeds are an excellent source of calcium, making them perfect for those who want to increase their intake without dairy products. These tiny white or black seeds also contain sesamin, which may help lower cholesterol levels naturally over time when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet plan. One tablespoon provides approximately 88 milligrams (about 9% of the RDI) of calcium, along with other essential nutrients like iron and magnesium.

Incorporating these seeds into your daily meals—whether by sprinkling them on salads, blending into smoothies, or enjoying them as snacks—can be a simple and effective way to enrich your diet with vital nutrients.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/must-try-seeds-for-daily-nutrition/story