Apple is apparently preparing the second generation iPhone Air; a smartphone that is set to retain the ultra-thin design of the first generation while coming to market with improvements in battery life, camera, and hardware performance. According to leaked information, the iPhone Air 2 will likely be announced in spring 2027, alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e.
One of the most significant likely changes for this phone is a reduction in body thickness to 5.2 millimeters. The first-generation iPhone Air, which was released in 2025, had a thickness of 5.6 millimeters, and it now appears Apple intends to take the slim design of this product a step further by reducing thickness by 0.4 millimeters.
Although this change may not seem striking at first glance, reducing the thickness of a device that was built from the outset to achieve an ultra-thin design can present considerable engineering challenges; especially when the manufacturer is simultaneously seeking to improve battery capacity and hardware capabilities.
Better battery in a thinner body
One of the main criticisms of the first-generation iPhone Air was its battery life. The very thin design of this phone imposed limitations on using a larger battery, and reports now indicate Apple is looking to address this weakness in the second generation.
According to published information, the iPhone Air 2 will likely be equipped with a new battery with higher energy density; a similar technology that is said to be planned by Apple for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as well.
Using such batteries could allow for storing more energy in limited space. However, leaked information indicates the increase in battery capacity for the iPhone Air 2 will likely not be very significant, and it is still unclear how much this change will affect the device's real-world endurance.
Possible addition of a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera
The camera is another area that will likely be upgraded in the new generation of iPhone Air. The first generation of this phone was offered with a single rear camera; a decision that, while helping preserve the device's thin design, limited users' photography options.
Reports now suggest the possible addition of a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera to the iPhone Air 2. If this change materializes, users will be able to use a wider field of view in addition to the main camera for capturing images.
It is also expected that Apple will retain the titanium frame of the first generation in the new model so that the design and body construction remain distinctive features of this product.
A20 Pro processor and Apple's new generation of connectivity chips
The iPhone Air 2 changes will likely not be limited to design and camera. According to rumors, Apple plans to equip this phone with the A20 Pro processor; a chip expected to also be used in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Other potential changes include a smaller Dynamic Island; a modification that could occupy less space at the top of the display.
It is also possible the iPhone Air 2 will be equipped with Apple's C2 modem and the N2 chip to improve wireless communications. However, it is said the display, RAM capacity, and front camera of this phone will remain unchanged compared to the first generation.
According to published technical reports, the combination of these changes indicates Apple is trying to reduce the limitations that faced criticism from users in the first generation, while preserving the most important feature of the iPhone Air, namely the ultra-thin design.
Of course, all of these specifications are currently limited to leaked information and rumors, and Apple has not yet confirmed official details regarding the iPhone Air 2, its announcement timing, or its final specifications.