Early reports suggest Apple is reworking the iPhone Air formula with display efficiency upgrades, room for a larger battery, and the possible addition of a second rear camera, as it fine-tunes its ultra-slim smartphone strategy.
Apple is expected to introduce meaningful hardware improvements with the next-generation iPhone Air, following mixed reactions to the first model launched alongside the iPhone 17 series. While the original iPhone Air drew praise for its lightweight design and slim profile, compromises in battery capacity and camera versatility left some users underwhelmed.
Industry watchers say Apple is now reassessing those trade-offs as it plans the iPhone Air 2, aiming to deliver better everyday usability without sacrificing the design language that defined the debut model. Though Apple has not confirmed any details, supply chain reports indicate changes in both display technology and core components.
Display redesign could unlock battery gains
According to reports from South Korea, Apple may adopt a new Colour on Encapsulation (CoE) display technology for the iPhone Air 2. The technology is expected to make the display stack thinner while reducing power consumption and improving outdoor visibility. The same display approach is also tipped to appear in Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone, signalling a broader shift in the company’s screen engineering.
A slimmer display assembly could free up internal space, potentially allowing Apple to increase battery size—one of the most frequent complaints about the first iPhone Air. While Apple optimised software to improve endurance, many users felt the premium pricing did not justify the smaller battery.
The reports also suggest Apple is exploring additional internal upgrades, although specific details remain undisclosed.
Camera and launch timeline in focus
Camera improvements are also reportedly under consideration. Earlier industry reporting indicated Apple may add a second rear camera to the iPhone Air 2, expanding beyond the single-lens setup of its predecessor. While it remains unclear whether this would be an ultra-wide or telephoto sensor, either option would significantly enhance the device’s photography capabilities.
The iPhone Air 2 is now expected to launch in 2027, potentially alongside Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone. The company is said to be skipping a 2026 refresh for the Air line, consistent with reports that the series was never intended to follow an annual upgrade cycle.
Another focus area is a move to a 2-nanometre chipset, which could further improve power efficiency and battery life. If these changes materialise, the iPhone Air 2 could represent a more balanced take on Apple’s ultra-thin smartphone concept.
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