Apple has reportedly pushed back the launch of the iPhone Air 2 to spring 2027, giving engineers more time to redesign the ultra-thin device and integrate a second rear camera. The follow-up to the first-generation iPhone Air was initially scheduled for fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
The delay marks a strategic shift for Apple’s release cycle. Instead of launching all major models together in September, the company now plans to release the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and the foldable iPhone in fall 2026, followed by the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and the redesigned iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027.
The first-generation iPhone Air, which debuted as Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, failed to meet sales expectations. Consumers praised its lightweight design but criticized its single-lens rear camera, limited audio performance, and high starting price of $999. The phone’s slim build also led to compromises in battery capacity, making it less appealing compared to the iPhone 17 Pro and even the base iPhone 17.
With weak demand, Apple reportedly scaled back production of the iPhone Air this fall. Foxconn and Luxshare, two of Apple’s key manufacturing partners, have already reduced or halted assembly. Analysts say the company now intends to reimagine the iPhone Air’s identity within the lineup, ensuring that the next model offers tangible upgrades rather than minor tweaks.
The upcoming iPhone Air 2 is expected to include a dual-lens camera system featuring both wide and ultra-wide sensors, a larger battery, and improved thermal management using vapor chamber cooling. Apple will also need to redesign the internal layout to accommodate the additional lens while maintaining the device’s ultra-thin profile.
If the new timeline holds, the iPhone Air 2 will launch roughly 18 months after the original model. While this gap may test consumer patience, it gives Apple the chance to address feedback and strengthen the Air brand before reintroducing it. The dual-camera upgrade alone could make the new version more appealing to both iPhone upgraders and Android switchers who expect flagship-level photography.
The iPhone Air lineup was intended to fill a middle ground between Apple’s base and Pro models, replacing the discontinued mini and Plus variants. However, finding the right balance of price, design, and performance has proven challenging. With the redesign now in motion, Apple seems determined to ensure that the second-generation iPhone Air finally earns its place in the lineup.
(via The Information)
