Apple is reportedly revamping the iPhone Air lineup while also planning to expand its iPhone lineup. A new roadmap report from The Information says Apple abruptly stopped test production of the second-generation iPhone Air last month and is now looking to redesign the iPhone Air 2 following weak sales of the first model.
For buyers, the subtext is that the middle option must be easier to justify. The report says Apple is considering adding a second rear camera and lowering the retail price to make the next Air more attractive, although there is no target price and “iPhone Air 2” is described as a tentative name. According to the report, an Apple spokesperson declined to comment.
A late pivot, midstream
Stopping test production is no small change. This is the phase where parts, assembly flow and early manufacturing yields are validated before a wider ramp. So a sudden halt suggests that Apple wasn’t happy with the plan it was working towards, be it in terms of cost, demand expectations, or the way the device fits into the rest of the lineup.
The report adds that manufacturer Luxshare is leading the next round of production trials, which could resume as early as March at its factory in Kunshan, China. We don’t have the exact date, so the exact time remains unclear.
Why the Air has to earn it
The roadmap also calls for a 20th anniversary iPhone in fall 2027 with curved glass on the front and back that wraps around all four edges, which would remove the black frame around the display. The report says it’s unclear whether the screen itself curves, and describes a narrow metal band in the middle of the frame where the buttons sit, as well as a selfie camera that’s been moved under the display to allow for a full edge-to-edge look.
In this context, the Air still needs a simple pitch, probably a second camera and a lower price as Apple adds more models soon.
What to watch next
If the Air redesign is intended to drive demand, the two statements should be clear: whether Apple is actually committed to the rumored second camera and whether a price change is meaningful enough to change the comparisons within the product range. If you’re shopping soon, wait for the details and grab the best current models until Apple’s plan is finalized.
