iPhone Air 2 tipped to launch this fall, but with only 'minor changes'

The iPhone Air 2 could arrive sooner — and with fewer upgrades — than expected, according to a new claim from an established tipster.

In a (machine-translated) Weibo post, leaker Fixed Focus Digital, citing "feedback from the production line," says that the sequel to the iPhone Air will arrive in fall 2026.

This is a claim they've made before, but one that goes against other leaks, which have claimed that the next iPhone Air will appear in early 2027, along with the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, or that Apple's skinniest iPhone is currently on an indefinite hiatus.

In terms of upgrades, FFD's claim does match other rumors — that Apple won't upgrade the phone significantly. FFD describes it as "a routine upgrade," with only "minor changes," which would match earlier leaks that claimed the next-gen Air would receive a new, more powerful and efficient chipset, the latest software and little else.

Change is in the Air

It's thought that Apple didn't intend the iPhone Air to be an annually-updated line of phones. After all, it's not called the iPhone 17 Air, which would tie it in with the other models shown off in September. It's its own dedicated type of iPhone.

But given that the super-slim flagship, represented by the iPhone Air or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, has not taken off with phone buyers. With Apple apparently reducing its planned iPhone Air production as a result, any intention that Apple may have had perhaps needs adjusting. Even if Apple changes nothing other than the chipset, it could be enough to address issues like battery life to try and keep interest alive while it works on a larger overhaul of the iPhone Air concept.

Then again, this could be another case of Apple trying and failing to make a fourth iPhone model. The mini iPhones and Plus iPhones that preceded the Air still sold in huge numbers, but seemingly not enough for Apple to continue making either of them. Maybe it's time for Apple to accept that a standard model and two sizes of Pro is enough choice for the vast majority of consumers.

Speaking of standard and Pro models, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Fold have been tipped for a September launch, in line with Apple's expected launch timing. But the rumormill suggests that, as we hinted at above, the cheaper iPhone 18 will get its own, later launch event at the start of 2027.

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