Highlights
- Apple is reportedly developing the iPhone Air 2 with a dual rear 48MP Fusion Main + 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera setup.
- Apple may need to rework the internal structure, especially around battery placement, to accommodate the second lens.
- The iPhone Air 2 is expected to debut in the second half of 2026 alongside other iPhone 18 models.
Caption – iPhone Air camera module. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series is still new to the market, but early leaks are already offering insights into what’s coming next. Reports suggest that Apple is finalising plans for its 2026 lineup including the successor to the iPhone Air. It is the model in the current lineup that has reportedly struggled to meet sales expectations. But despite the lukewarm response, Apple appears determined to refine the series and the rumoured iPhone Air 2 could bring the upgrade fans have long wanted.
iPhone Air 2 Could Have 2 Cameras?
According to a new leak from the popular Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Apple’s second-generation iPhone Air is currently in development and may come equipped with two rear cameras instead of one. The leak claims Apple is testing a dual-lens configuration similar to the base iPhone 17, combining a 48MP Fusion Main camera with a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide sensor.
Interestingly, the report suggests Apple will retain the iPhone Air’s unique horizontal camera plateau, meaning the new dual-camera setup will sit side by side, unlike the vertical layout seen on the iPhone 17.
Sharing more details, Digital Chat Station wrote, “The iPhone 18 Air is currently at the usual stage of development [for a model to be launched next year]. The 6.5-inch high-brush mid-screen 3D face horizontal runway design remains unchanged. It is also an ultra-thin design. Apple is considering adding a lens to supplement the 48MP main camera with a 48MP ultra-wide one.” (Translated via Google Translate)
Given that the current iPhone Air houses multiple internal components in its raised camera plateau to optimise space for the battery, Apple would likely need to redesign parts of the internal structure to accommodate the second lens. Still, the company reportedly aims to keep the iPhone Air 2 exceptionally thin and lightweight.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has already predicted that Apple will launch the iPhone Air 2 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026. The company is also said to be preparing a third iPhone Air variant with a larger display, expected to arrive in late 2027. However, considering that the first-generation iPhone Air hasn’t performed strongly outside of China, these plans may still evolve.
As for how much we can believe this update, Digital Chat Station has built a solid reputation for accurate Apple leaks in the past. The tipster has leaked early details about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus camera sensors, as well as the display design of the iPhone 12 back in 2020.
In any case, if the latest reports hold true, the iPhone Air 2 could finally deliver the camera upgrade many tech enthusiasts were looking for.
FAQs
Q1. What camera setup is expected on the iPhone Air 2?
Answer. The iPhone Air 2 may feature a dual rear camera system, combining a 48MP Fusion Main sensor with a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lens. This marks a significant upgrade from the single-camera setup on the first-generation iPhone Air.
Q2. Will the iPhone Air 2 retain its horizontal camera design?
Answer. Yes, Apple is expected to keep the iPhone Air’s unique horizontal camera plateau. The dual lenses will be arranged side by side, unlike the vertical layout seen on the iPhone 17.
Q3. When is the iPhone Air 2 expected to launch?
Answer. According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone Air 2 will likely debut in the second half of 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone. A larger-screen variant may follow in 2027.