iPhone Air 2: Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone Air arrived in September 2025 as a bold experiment in design, prioritizing slimness and lightness over some traditional features. While it garnered attention for its striking 5.6mm profile, sales have lagged behind other models in the iPhone 17 lineup, prompting questions about the future of this niche device.
Now, as 2025 draws to a close, reports from supply chain sources and analysts point to a second-generation model, often referred to as the iPhone Air 2. Details remain preliminary, but credible outlets suggest Apple is rethinking the formula to address buyer feedback.
The Original iPhone Air
The iPhone Air debuted alongside the iPhone 17 series, replacing the Plus model with a mid-tier option priced at $999. It featured a polished titanium frame, a 6.5-inch OLED display with 120Hz ProMotion, and the A19 Pro chip for strong performance.
Apple emphasized durability with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and improved scratch resistance. Yet compromises were evident: a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a smaller 3,149 mAh battery, and mono audio in some configurations.
Early demand was modest. Analysts at Morgan Stanley noted stronger sales for the standard iPhone 17 and Pro models shortly after launch. By late fall, reports emerged of production cuts, with resale values dropping sharply compared to siblings, according to data from platforms like SellCell.
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Expected Launch Date
Initial expectations placed the iPhone Air 2 in fall 2026, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and Apple’s rumored first foldable iPhone.
Recent accounts paint a different picture. A November report from The Information, citing sources familiar with Apple’s plans, indicated the company scrapped trial production late in 2025 due to underwhelming response to the original.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman echoed this in his Power On newsletter, stating the Air line was never intended for annual updates. He projects a refreshed model in spring 2027, possibly March, aligning with lower-end releases like a standard iPhone 18 and an affordable iPhone 18e.
This shift would give Apple more time to refine the device amid competition from a 2026 foldable and Pro models featuring under-screen Face ID.
Why the Delay Makes Sense
Pushing back allows engineering teams to incorporate meaningful changes without rushing. The original Air served partly as a testbed for thin-design techniques that could inform future foldables, per industry observers. A 2027 debut avoids overcrowding Apple’s 2026 slate, which leaks suggest will include an iPhone Fold with a book-style design.
Rumored Camera Upgrades
One of the most frequent criticisms of the iPhone Air was its single rear camera. While the 48MP Fusion sensor delivered sharp results and optical-quality 2x zoom, it lacked a dedicated ultra-wide lens for broader shots or macro photography.
Multiple sources now indicate Apple is exploring a dual-camera setup for the sequel. The Information reported engineers aim to add a second rear lens, likely an ultra-wide, to broaden appeal.
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo earlier forecasted this possibility for a late-2026 model, though timelines have shifted. A second camera could enable true wide-angle capture and restore features like spatial video, absent in the first Air.
The front-facing 18MP Center Stage camera, praised for its square sensor and group-shot smarts, is expected to carry over with minor refinements.
Design Changes: Thinner, Lighter, and More Practical?
The hallmark of the Air remains its slim profile. Rumors suggest the next version could shave even more thickness, potentially dipping below 5.6mm, while maintaining or expanding battery capacity.
Reports mention potential vapor chamber cooling for better sustained performance and a larger cell to counter the original’s shorter runtime. Material tweaks, such as lighter titanium variants, are also floated to enhance durability without added weight.
Visually, expect evolution rather than revolution: a similar plateau housing cameras and components, refined bezels, and new color options to refresh the look.
Price Details: Potential Adjustments Ahead
The original iPhone Air started at $999, positioning it between the $799 iPhone 17 and $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro. With added features like a second camera and improved battery, pricing could rise slightly.
Some speculation points to a lower entry point to boost accessibility, especially if Apple views the line as a volume driver in emerging markets. No firm figures have surfaced, but analysts anticipate parity or a modest increase to reflect enhancements.
Storage options likely mirror the current 256GB base, with higher tiers available.
Broader Context in Apple’s iPhone Strategy
The iPhone Air experiment highlights Apple’s willingness to diversify beyond annual Pro-focused upgrades. Strong overall iPhone 17 series sales in 2025, driven by China recovery and Apple Intelligence features, give the company room to iterate.
Looking ahead, 2026 appears packed with a foldable debut and Pro advancements like reduced Dynamic Island via under-screen tech. A 2027 Air refresh could complement a rumored 20th-anniversary iPhone boasting seamless, curved glass.
Buyers eyeing thin designs today might hold off, as the sequel promises fewer trade-offs. For now, the original Air remains available, often at discounts reflecting softer demand.
Apple rarely comments on unreleased products, so these details stem from leaks and analyst insights. Plans can change, but the consensus points to a more compelling ultra-thin iPhone on the horizon. Readers interested in the current lineup can check Apple’s site for the latest on the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series.