Yesterday we reported that Apple while had initially planned to release a new model of its ultra-thin iPhone Air in fall 2026, but now it has changed its corporate mind due to poor sales. Now comes word that Apple will use take advantage of that delay to further redesign the device, including adding a second rear-facing camera.
The Information reports Apple believes that by adding a second back-facing shooter, it can help address some of the complaints that customers have about the iPhone Air, which while it is an impressive design accomplishment, included too many hardware compromises, especially considering its rather high price tag.
Apple had been counting on the iPhone Air’s novel ultra-slim design to drive sales, as it was the first substantial redesign of the handset since the release of the iPhone X’s Face ID and all-display design in 2017. While Apple had expected the 5.6mm thin iPhone Air to sell well, its high price tag may have contributed to the device’s slow sales. The Air’s starting price of $999 may have outweighed the device’s attractiveness to consumers. With a starting price that is only $100 below that of the $1,099 iPhone Pro, buyers may have opted for the Pro, which boasts a much better triple-lens camera and longer battery life.
Apple has reportedly been working on a second-generation iPhone Air that will be lighter, with a larger battery, and vapor chamber cooling, and apparently a second back-facing camera.
Apple’s second iPhone Air model could feature two rear cameras instead of one, with a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera placed alongside the existing 48MP Fusion Main camera.
The report indicates that some Apple engineers are attempting to convince the power that be to release the second-gen iPhone Air sporting a second camera in spring 2027, alongside the expected release of the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, as part of an expected new split launch cycle. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s much-rumored new foldable iPhone are expected to launch in fall 2026, which was when the iPhone Air 2 was originally expected.
