Insiders disagree on iPhone Air 2 release date

The disagreement among insiders continues. Most say the next iPhone Air update will come in 2027, but one source insists on a fall 2026 release, citing feedback from the production lines.

An insider has said that the next iPhone Air update will come in 2027, but one source insists on a fall 2026 release, citing feedback from production lines.

• A Fixed Focus Digital insider has twice claimed a fall 2026 launch, contrary to what other sources believe
• Mark Gurman thinks a 2026 update is unlikely, Apple didn’t initially plan a second iteration that early
• Minimal changes expected: a planned update with no major tweaks, possibly adding CoE technology for a thinner screen

This is another battle of the insiders. While most rumor mongers say the iPhone Air will get its next update in 2027, one source is going against the tide and doubling down on a fall 2026 update.

The iPhone Air 2 has been a controversial device, with analysts questioning whether it brought in enough sales compared to other models in the iPhone 17 generation. However, while there’s a general belief that the new model will eventually arrive, the timing of its release is still a matter of debate.

And while there’s a general belief that the new model will eventually arrive, the timing of its release is still a matter of debate.

Insider Statement

According to a constant source on Weibo Fixed Focus Digital published on Tuesday, the smartphone will return in fall 2026, not a year later in fall 2027. That claim appears to be based on feedback from production lines, with no details.

And it appears to be based on feedback from production lines, without details.

The claim of a late 2026 launch is interesting. A dubious report from November claimed that three people involved in the iPhone Air project reported an initial plan for a 2026 release.

Apple’s supply chain partners Luxshare and Foxconn, however, have allegedly dismantled most of the production lines for that fall 2025 model.

Position of other sources

Mark Gurman has also said that an iPhone Air refresh in 2026 is unlikely. He also says that from the beginning, Apple had no plans to create a second iteration in 2026.

Mark Gurman also says that Apple is not planning to create a second iteration in 2026.

In December, another report found the middle ground and said that the second-generation model would arrive in the spring of 2027. It would theoretically launch alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone 18 as part of rumors that Apple would revamp its usual release schedule so that more affordable iPhone models would get spring launches, while Pro models would retain a fall cadence.

Another report said the second-generation model would launch in the spring of 2027, while the Pro models would retain a fall cadence.

Another report said the second-generation model would launch in the spring of 2027.

Later that month, Fixed Focus Digital responded, insisting that sources had reported the iPhone Air 2 would appear during the fall iPhone 2026 event.

Expected Changes

Besides the release schedule for the second-generation iPhone Air, the insider added that there will be some updates to the model. However, this will apparently consist of minimal changes, a planned refresh without major tweaks. Given Apple’s penchant for small, yearly hardware updates with occasional redesigns, this makes sense for the iPhone Air 2.

One report in January, however, claimed that the changes would be more than a typical feature update. The changes apparently include the use of Color Filter on Encap technology to create a thinner, brighter display without affecting power consumption. There has also been speculation that Apple is making more use of the camera plateau design to add a second rear camera to the ultra-thin model.

And there’s also speculation that Apple is using the camera plateau design to add a second rear camera to the ultra-thin model.

Fixed Focus Digital has a mixed track record when it comes to leaks. On the one hand, the account was right about the iPhone 16e’s name. On the other hand, the source was wrong about the iPhone 17 getting a 120Hz screen but no ProMotion.

The editors of itzine.ru warn readers to exercise caution when dealing with claims made by Weibo insiders. Due to the constant pressure to maintain a social media presence, rumor mongers have a tendency to repost information from other accounts, often without carefully checking the accuracy of the claims.