The iPhone Air reaches one year on sale next month, and Apple is closer to launching its successor. The first-generation model had a difficult run: a KeyBanc survey found virtually no demand, suppliers were asked to cut capacity by more than 80%, and ten-week depreciation hit 44.3% versus 34.6% for the iPhone 17. Activations barely surpassed 700,000 even after price cuts. The $999 phone lacked a second camera, vapor chamber cooling, stereo speakers, and had weak battery life.

Almost every rumored change for the second model targets those issues. Bloomberg reports a dual-lens camera with an Ultra Wide lens, an ultra-thin Face ID module, Samsung's CoE display, a 3,500mAh battery (up from 3,149mAh), and vapor chamber cooling. It will likely feature the A20 Pro chip, N2 wireless chip, C2 modem, and 12GB RAM. A slightly smaller Dynamic Island and lavender color are expected.

Pricing is the biggest question. Apple may lower the price, but the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could cost $250–$300 more, and the foldable iPhone may start between $2,000 and $2,500. That could widen the gap and change the calculation. Leakers expect the Air 2 in spring 2027 alongside the iPhone 18 and 18e.

Apple's confidence in the fall lineup is growing, with suppliers preparing 10 million foldable iPhones. The iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable are expected in September.