Apple is reportedly not giving up on its ‘thinnest’ iPhone, iPhone Air; but planning to solve its biggest problem

Apple is reconsidering the future of its ultra-thin iPhone Air lineup, with plans to potentially release a redesigned second-generation model in spring 2027 featuring a dual-lens camera system, according to The Information.

The move comes after the company indefinitely delayed the iPhone Air 2, which was originally scheduled to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in fall 2026.The redesign aims to address the primary complaint about the current iPhone Air: its single-lens rear camera. The Information reports that some Apple engineers are pushing to equip the next-generation model with a 48-megapixel Fusion Ultra Wide camera alongside the existing 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera, matching the dual-lens setup found on the standard iPhone 17.

Apple responds to poor sales and customer feedback

The first-generation iPhone Air, which launched in September 2025 at $999, has struggled to gain traction with consumers. The device's ultra-thin 5.6mm profile came at the cost of features buyers expect from premium smartphones, including a second camera, stereo speakers, and physical SIM support. With only a $100 price difference from the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro—which offers a triple-lens camera system and significantly better battery life—many customers opted for the Pro model instead.

Digital Chat Station, a Chinese tipster, first suggested the dual-camera possibility last week. The Information's report corroborates these claims, though implementing the change presents significant engineering challenges. Multiple technologies are currently housed in the iPhone Air's distinctive horizontal camera plateau to maximize battery space, meaning Apple would need to substantially redesign the device's internals to accommodate a second lens.

Uncertain timeline as Apple refines ultra-thin strategy

If Apple proceeds with the spring 2027 launch, the iPhone Air 2 would release alongside the standard iPhone 18 and budget iPhone 18e, following Apple's reported new split launch cycle. The iPhone 18 Pro models and Apple's first foldable iPhone are expected to debut in fall 2026. However, given the extensive redesign required and the first-generation model's poor market performance, Apple's plans remain fluid and could change as development continues.