Apple’s long-term iPhone strategy is coming into sharper focus, and the latest reporting suggests the future of the second-generation iPhone Air is far more intentional than many assumed. A new breakdown from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman offers a clearer look at how Apple sees the Air line and why its next update is set for 2027 rather than the earlier timelines some analysts expected.
Last week, The Information reported that the iPhone Air 2 may have been pushed back to 2027 because of lower-than-expected sales and Apple’s consideration of adding a second rear camera. That interpretation created a wave of speculation about the Air’s performance and its overall place in the lineup. According to Gurman’s latest insights, that narrative doesn’t tell the full story.
Apple never planned to align the Air with its annual number-based iPhone cycle, which is exactly why it carries the standalone iPhone Air name instead of something like the iPhone 17 Air. Gurman adds that the second-generation Air was not actually slated for a 2026 release at all, at least not in Apple’s internal planning in recent months.
This context matters because of who the information is coming from. Gurman has a long track record of accurate reporting on Apple’s internal roadmaps, lending significant weight to his claim that the iPhone Air 2 is simply following the original schedule rather than being delayed due to weak demand.
Apple reportedly expected the first-generation Air to account for roughly 6 to 8 percent of total new iPhone sales, which is similar to what the iPhone 16 Plus delivered before the Air replaced it. The Air may not match the mainstream pull of the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models, but that doesn’t make it a disappointment in Apple’s eyes.
Gurman also describes the iPhone Air as more than just another model in the lineup. He characterizes it as a technology exercise that helped Apple build the engineering foundation for its upcoming foldable iPhone. Several of the advancements required to develop the Air are expected to directly benefit Apple’s first foldable device, which aligns with reports about Apple making long-term supply chain and hardware investments ahead of a major new category.
As for the iPhone Air 2 itself, the next-generation model is expected to feature a 2nm chip that could deliver major gains in battery life and thermal efficiency. These areas have been frequent critiques of the current Air, making the upgrade especially meaningful. While Apple could technically add a secondary ultrawide lens, Gurman notes that the company may skip the change for now since the Air still represents a relatively small portion of total sales and reworking the camera module would add unnecessary complexity.
Most importantly, the product’s future isn’t in jeopardy. Apple still plans to bring a new iPhone Air to market, and 2027 now appears to be the timeline that fits with the company’s broader roadmap.
Beyond the Air line, the larger report outlines Apple’s intention to shift to a two-part iPhone launch strategy each year. Instead of unveiling all models in a single fall window, Apple is expected to divide releases to balance revenue across seasons and reduce the strain on engineers, suppliers, and internal teams.
If plans hold, the fall 2026 lineup could include the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable. Then, in spring 2027, Apple may introduce the standard iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, and the second-generation iPhone Air. With up to three new models launching that spring, Apple may even host an additional keynote event to spotlight the expanded lineup.
