Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of the iPhone Air 2, pulling the device from its product roadmap for the upcoming year, according to The Information. This move marks a rare pause in Apple’s next-generation iPhone development, especially since the company was already deep into engineering and supplier planning.
Although the iPhone Air 2 project hasn’t been canceled, Apple has informed internal teams and manufacturing partners that the device is “off the schedule” with no new release date. The iPhone Air 2 was originally expected to debut in fall 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s first foldable iPhone. However, recent planning changes resulted in the model being removed from that lineup.
iPhone Air’s Underperformance Leads to Strategy Shift
Apple introduced the iPhone Air earlier this year as a thinner, lighter alternative to the Pro lineup. Positioned between the standard and premium models, the iPhone Air launched at $999 but included key trade-offs such as:
- A single rear camera
- A smaller battery
- Limited high-end features
Despite being one of the thinnest iPhones ever made, sales failed to meet Apple’s expectations.
Contract manufacturers Foxconn and Luxshare Precision have scaled back or even halted production. Foxconn has reportedly dismantled most iPhone Air production lines and plans to cease assembly entirely by the end of the month. Luxshare ended production in late October.
iPhone Air 2 Development Progress — But Paused
Before the pause, Apple engineers were working on meaningful upgrades for the iPhone Air 2, including:
- A larger battery
- A lighter chassis
- A vapor chamber cooling system (currently exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro series)
- A possible dual-camera setup
Some engineers and suppliers are still working on isolated components, suggesting the device is paused, not canceled. One internal timeline places a possible relaunch in spring 2027, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e.
Apple Refocuses 2026 Lineup on Premium Models
With the iPhone Air 2 delayed, Apple’s 2026 lineup is expected to include:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Apple’s first foldable iPhone
The base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e would be introduced in spring 2027, based on supply chain leaks.
Analysts say this reshuffle reflects Apple’s shift toward high-margin premium devices and advanced form factors, while reassessing whether a thin-and-light iPhone has long-term market demand.
Global Market Pressure and Weak Demand
Apple’s decision comes at a time of:
- Intensifying competition in China
- Slowing global smartphone sales
- Underwhelming performance of the iPhone Air
Despite regulatory clearance to offer an eSIM-only version of the iPhone Air in China, the model still hasn’t gained significant traction.
For now, Apple has not issued any official statement on the delay.
