Conflicting information is circulating again regarding the iPhone Air. While earlier reports suggested a significant delay until 2027, a Chinese leaker has now claimed that Apple intends to release a second-generation iPhone Air this year. However, the update is said to be very minor.
The iPhone Air occupies a special position within the iPhone family. It isn't strictly tied to an annual release cycle and is aimed more at users looking for a particularly lightweight and streamlined iPhone. This unique status is precisely why rumors, timelines, and expectations vary so widely.
Leaker predicts market launch in autumn
Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital claims that Apple still plans to release an iPhone Air 2 this year. According to him, recent feedback from the production line indicates that the device is expected to be released in the fall.
The potential launch is expected to coincide with the iPhone 18 Pro models. Additionally, a first foldable iPhone is also rumored to be released around this time. According to the leaker, however, the second-generation iPhone Air will only receive very minor changes. He describes the device as a routine upgrade without any major innovations.
Contradiction to reports of a postponement
These statements directly contradict a report from The Information in November, which stated that Apple had postponed the next generation of the iPhone Air to 2027 due to disappointing sales figures.
A later report from the same source added that Apple intended to use the extra time to fundamentally redesign the iPhone Air. Among the features mentioned were a second rear camera, a lighter weight, vapor chamber cooling, and a larger battery capacity. These points suggest a major redesign rather than a minor update.
Mark Gurman sees the situation differently
Shortly after these reports, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg weighed in. According to his information, the iPhone Air 2 was never planned for 2026 and consequently was not officially delayed.
Gurman points to the device's name. The designation "iPhone Air" without a year suggests that Apple deliberately avoided a fixed annual release schedule for the model. In his estimation, a significantly redesigned iPhone Air could appear in spring 2027.
This model could then be released alongside the regular iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e as part of a new split-launch strategy. According to Gurman's sources, the technical focus will be less on the design and more on a 2-nanometer chip, which should primarily improve the battery life of the iPhone Air.
How credible is the new claim?
Despite existing doubts, Fixed Focus Digital's claim cannot be completely dismissed. The leaker has been correct in the past, accurately predicting the name iPhone 16e before its official unveiling. Nevertheless, current reports contradict each other significantly, making it difficult to assess Apple's actual plans.
The iPhone Air continues to raise questions
Whether the iPhone Air will appear with a minor update this fall or not return in a redesigned form until 2027 remains to be seen. The leaker speaks of a timely, rather unspectacular upgrade, while previous reports and assessments by Mark Gurman suggest a longer hiatus and a stronger focus on efficiency and battery life.
The only certainty is that Apple will continue to treat the iPhone Air differently than the other iPhone models. This is precisely what creates ongoing uncertainty, but also makes the development of the Air series particularly exciting. (Image: Shutterstock / Hadrian)
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