iPhone Air 2: These are the planned upgrades Apfelpatient

The second iteration of the ultra-thin iPhone Air is apparently taking shape: According to a recent report, Apple is aiming for an iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027 – with a second camera and improved battery life. The design, however, is expected to remain largely unchanged. This would mean Apple is addressing precisely the biggest criticisms of the first model.

The iPhone Air launched in fall 2025 as the thinnest iPhone ever, but subsequently failed to live up to the high expectations. The limitations of the camera and battery in the first model, in particular, drew criticism. Now, Bloomberg reports that Apple is working on a successor that addresses these issues and is planned for release in spring 2027. This new information aligns with previous rumors surrounding the iPhone Air 2, which have long suggested a second camera.

Two cameras instead of one

According to Bloomberg, current iPhone Air 2 prototypes reportedly feature two rear cameras. The current model has a single 48-megapixel camera. The successor would add an ultra-wide-angle camera alongside the existing main camera. A telephoto lens, however, is apparently not planned – those hoping for optical zoom will likely be disappointed.

An iPhone Air with two lenses is said to have already reached an advanced stage of testing. Aside from its external appearance, the device would largely correspond to the current model, with the exception of the additional lens.

Better battery life as a second goal

Besides the camera, Apple is reportedly working on longer battery life. The report doesn't provide any specific details. It remains unclear whether the improvement will result from a larger battery – which would hardly be practical in the Air's exceptionally slim design – or from efficiency gains. Since space for a larger battery is severely limited in the extremely thin Air, efficiency improvements are likely the more probable solution.

Why Apple is making improvements

According to the cited sources, the single-camera system of the current iPhone Air is the most frequent point of criticism from buyers. The successor is intended to specifically address this weakness without abandoning the characteristic slim design. The fact that Apple is continuing with the Air approach despite the mixed launch of the first model suggests that the concept has not been abandoned internally, but rather is being refined.

Spring 2027 as the target

The industry magazine The Information had previously reported that Apple was planning an iPhone Air 2 with a second camera for spring 2027. The latest report confirms this timeline and adds a focus on battery life. Should both improvements be implemented as described, the iPhone Air 2 could address the two biggest weaknesses of its predecessor and thus be significantly more compelling. Until an official announcement, however, these remain reports from the supply chain and the development environment. (Image: Shutterstock / Wongsakorn 2468)