Recently, there are rumors that Apple has abandoned the iPhone Air series because there are no plans to launch related new products in 2026. But this is not the case. According to sources, a new model equipped with an upgraded chip and longer battery life is under development in the future.
The iPhone Air may not be Apple's most popular model, but it doesn't need to be a bestseller on its own. The device is intended to replace Apple's worst-selling iPhone Plus series and is positioned more like a proof-of-concept product.
According to Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, the industry never expected a second-generation iPhone Air in 2026, so claims about product delays are inaccurate. In fact, follow-up models are in preparation, and the focus will be on more advanced chips rather than the rumored second camera.
The new chip is expected to be manufactured using a 2-nanometer process, which will help improve battery life. There is currently no news about major adjustments to the body structure. Adding a second camera (as rumored) may require a redesign of the appearance.
There were previous reports that Apple decided to skip the 2026 iPhone Air update due to poor sales, but this statement is questionable. Later, there was news that Apple delayed the product to have enough time to make design adjustments to add a second camera. There have always been objections to the term "delay" because it is clear that Apple never intended for the iPhone Air to receive annual updates like its main model. The lack of "17" in the product name also indicates that it is not a typical annual upgrade product; there are also rumors that the iPhone Air was originally intended to pave the way for the iPhone Fold series.
Future iPhone Air may be equipped with dual cameras. The industry expects that even if the iPhone Fold is released, the iPhone Air product line will not completely disappear. What is more likely is that Apple will use iPhone Air as a branch of its product line to provide users with more choices.
Currently, the standard iPhone model has competitive configurations; at the higher level, users have to choose between the thicker and more full-featured iPhone Pro and the thinner and somewhat compromised iPhone Air. At the top of the pyramid, there are the flagship iPhone Pro Max and the uniquely positioned but compromised iPhone Fold. It can be seen that Apple has no intention of cutting off or delaying the iPhone Air series, but its release time rhythm is different from other iPhone products.
In 2027, Apple’s iPhone product line may undergo major changes. The iPhone Fold is expected to be released in 2026, and the iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 20th Anniversary Edition may be seen at the same time in 2027.
Regardless of Apple's specific plans, the iPhone Air will continue to be integrated into its product layout for the foreseeable future.