Apple has temporarily suspended development of the second-generation iPhone Air, according to a report by The Information. The company has informed engineers and suppliers that the device has been removed from the production schedule without a new release timeline, marking what the publication describes as a “rare if not unprecedented” decision.
iPhone Air 2 Development Status Remains Uncertain
Sources involved in the project told The Information that Apple has not completely canceled the iPhone Air 2 but has paused its development. Some engineers and manufacturing partners continue working on the device, suggesting the company may be considering a redesign or repositioning before reintroducing it to the product roadmap.
The iPhone Air 2 was originally scheduled to launch next year alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s anticipated iPhone Fold. Planned features included a larger battery, thinner and lighter construction, vapor chamber cooling system similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, and reportedly a dual-camera setup—a first for the Air model.
Manufacturing Partners Scale Back Production
The current iPhone Air has reportedly underperformed in the market, triggering the delay. Foxconn, Apple’s primary production partner for the device, has reduced manufacturing capacity, shutting down all but one and a half assembly lines and planning to cease production entirely by month’s end. Luxshare, another assembly partner, reportedly stopped production in late October.
Market Demand Falls Short of Expectations
The production slowdown indicates weaker-than-expected demand for the iPhone Air, which Apple positioned as a lighter, more affordable alternative. Industry analysts suggest Apple may have overestimated consumer interest in thinner designs while markets increasingly prioritize performance, battery life, and camera capabilities over weight and size.
Apple Future Lineup Plans
Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup is expected to feature the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company’s first foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 and entry-level iPhone 18e are reportedly scheduled for early 2027.
One source indicated Apple could revive the iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, potentially launching alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. If realized, the device may return as a reimagined product better aligned with Apple’s evolving product strategy.
