Apple has reportedly scrapped plans to launch a second-generation iPhone Air in 2026 and has already “sharply scaled back production of the first version,” according to The Information. The original super-thin iPhone Air, which was released in September 2025, has not proven to be the expected commercial success, prompting the significant shift in the company’s product strategy.
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The second-generation iPhone Air, now cancelled, was expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in the spring of 2026. It was designed to be lighter and feature greater battery capacity than the current model. Furthermore, it was slated to include a vapor chamber cooling system, a feature also rumoured for the high-end iPhone 17 Pro models launching earlier that year.
With the iPhone Air removed from the 2026 schedule, Apple’s flagship product launches are now expected to be focused on the iPhone 18 Pro and the company’s long-awaited foldable iPhone.
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The remaining mainstream models, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18E, are now reportedly targeting a early 2027 release. However, the report adds a significant caveat: one source suggests that Apple may still choose to launch the new, thinner iPhone Air design as soon as autumn 2027, potentially taking the place of the 18E or becoming part of that mid-cycle launch.
