Apple targets spring 2027 for iPhone Air 2 as foldable prep continues

Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, according to a new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The device will continue the company’s ultra-thin smartphone project and is expected to feature Apple’s first 2-nanometer chip, which should improve battery life and overall efficiency.

Apple uses the Air lineup to refine components for its upcoming foldable iPhone

Earlier this week, reports conflicted over the status of the iPhone Air 2. The Information initially claimed that Apple had delayed the phone indefinitely due to underwhelming sales of the first-generation model. However, a separate report later clarified that Apple had only postponed the launch by six months, shifting its release window from fall 2026 to spring 2027.

Gurman’s latest report confirms the delay but emphasizes that Apple never intended the iPhone Air line to follow the company’s usual annual iPhone update cycle. Apple chose not to name the current model “iPhone 17 Air” in order to distinguish it from the Pro and standard variants.

The iPhone Air 2 is not expected to receive a major visual redesign. Apple is focusing on incremental upgrades, with the primary improvement centered on battery life. The more efficient 2nm chip is expected to drive that gain. Apple is also considering adding a second rear camera for ultrawide shots.

Apple had originally projected the Air to account for roughly 6 to 8% of new iPhone sales, similar to what the iPhone 16 Plus achieved. It received prominent placement during the September keynote, but marketing has since tapered off. Much like the iPhone mini, the Air appealed to a narrow segment and didn’t turn that interest into significant sales. Even with a price set $100 below the iPhone 17 Pro, it lags in battery endurance, thermal performance, and camera capability.

Internally, Apple is using the iPhone Air lineup to test components and design choices that could support its future foldable iPhone. The Air shares many structural and material similarities with Apple’s ongoing foldable prototype, and serves as a testbed for supply chain and engineering processes.

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