Apple's iPhone Air 2 is not coming anytime soon
What's the story
Apple has delayed the launch of its next lightweight smartphone, the iPhone Air 2, as per The Information. The company has informed its engineers and suppliers that the second-generation device will be removed from the production schedule, with no new release date in sight. This decision is said to be "rare if not unprecedented," indicating a major shift in Apple's strategy for this product line.
Development pause
Temporary halt in development
While Apple has not completely canceled the iPhone Air 2, its development has been temporarily halted. Some engineers and manufacturing partners are still said to be working on the device. This could mean that Apple is considering a redesign or repositioning of the product before it makes a comeback in its roadmap. The iPhone Air 2 was originally slated for launch next year alongside other new models.
Market expectations
iPhone Air struggling in market
The iPhone Air 2 was expected to come with a bigger battery, slimmer body, and a vapor chamber cooling system like the one seen on the iPhone 17 Pro. Rumors also suggested that it could sport a dual-camera setup for the first time. However, the current version of this model has reportedly struggled in the market, leading to this delay. Foxconn (Apple's main production partner) has already reduced its manufacturing capacity for this device due to weak demand.
Future plans
What to expect from Apple's next iPhones?
For now, Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup is expected to include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable phone. The standard iPhone 18 and the base-end iPhone 18e should follow in early 2027. There is a possibility that Apple could revive the iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, possibly alongside these upcoming models. If this happens, it could be a reimagined product that fits better into Apple's evolving lineup.