2026 iPhone Air Could Feature Two Rear Cameras, Says Leaker

[stocklen]

To my ears, it was not good enough. Camera, battery, I was prepared to go with the Air. The speaker situation was the deal breaker. Looking forward to the features of the next iteration.

Everything is subjective.
The specs are what they are.

For me, I never watch movies or TV shows on my phone and if I did I have far more consideration for those in my vicinity to even think of blasting out the audio on the phone's speakers and certainly wouldn't play music.

I have AirPods... or any headphones will do - and those give a far better audio experience than one, or even two speakers on a phone.

For watching the occasional short form YouTube clip in privacy and peace and quiet then believe me the mono speaker works remarkably well and you probably wouldnt even notice.


The big 3 moans of 'SPEAKERS', 'BATTERY' and 'CAMERA' are mostly coming from people who haven't even used the Air and thats fine - there are choices in the market for them, Apple have not abandoned your needs nor are they forcing you to buy the Air.
Most people who have the Air, me included, purchased it with our eyes fully open knowing these perilous shortcomings and not really worrying as they didnt affect us and our demands and needs for a device.

(oh and battery life equivalent to last years 16 pro seems pretty OK!)

 

[Danie_Morrow]

I haven't read the discussion, but I assume that 9 out of 10 guys here are criticizing the battery and stereo. So the battery is top notch for such a thin device, as confirmed by tests, and the 26.1 battery has improved it even further. As for the stereo, we all know that you don't use stereo yourself and listen to home theater or headphones, so stop creating mistakes where there aren't any. It's a perfect device, I'm buying the second one on the first day.

 

[joshwithachance]

Finally held one in the store.

Meh

Feels the same weight as a 17 with a slightly bigger screen. The thinness isn’t very noticeable other that feeling “sharper” in your hand.

Honestly this was a bad response to lackluster Plus sales.

Had they worked to make the plus lighter (with same battery as regular and other tweaks) they could market it as the “XL: bigger screen but same weight!”

I don't know why you say this as if it's a negative thing... The Air having a display the size of earlier Maxes with the ease of use and handling of the smaller phones in the current lineup sounds like a major win to me.

And as the owner of one (since launch day)... It definitely is.

 

[SF7]

Apple's second iPhone Air model is in development and could feature two rear cameras instead of one, according to a Chinese leaker with sources within Apple's supply chain.

The Weibo-based account "Digital Chat Station" claims that Apple is evaluating a dual-lens setup for the next version of its ultra-thin iPhone, with a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera joining the existing 48MP Fusion Main camera, similar to the base iPhone 17.

However, the leaker says that the second-generation device will keep the distinctive horizontal camera plateau, suggesting the second lens will sit alongside the existing one, unlike the dual-lens vertical arrangement on the iPhone 17.

Multiple technologies are housed in the plateau of the iPhone Air to maximize space for the battery, so Apple would presumably need to redesign the internals considerably to fit in another camera. Apple will reportedly continue to focus on making the device ultra-thin and lightweight.

Apple will release a second-generation iPhone Air alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026, according to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple also plans to launch a third iPhone Air model with a larger display in the second half of 2027. That said, the first-generation device has apparently not been selling well outside of China, so Apple's plans could change.

Digital Chat Station has a decent track record for Apple rumors. They accurately revealed that the ‌iPhone‌ 15 and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus would feature a slightly smaller 48-megapixel sensor than the ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro Max, as well as the display panel design of the ‌iPhone‌ 12 back in 2020.

Article Link: 2026 iPhone Air Could Feature Two Rear Cameras, Says Leaker

Apple, you should be able to get reliable silicon, carbon batteries in the quantities you need for Fall 2026 iPhone Air 2. This will give you the space you need to add a second speaker and a second camera lens. I always prefer telephoto, but ultrawide seems more popular (for now, as telephoto lenses are gaining). If you need a bit more space, boost the phone screen size slightly to 6.7” and Bob’s your uncle.

 

[Spinarelo]

Having "the smallest share of sales" ≠ "losing money on them", which is the claim you made.

Do you have a source for that claim?

It's my understanding that it's a forum rule that a claim like that should please be backed up when asked about, or the claim should be softened or retracted.

Please carefully re-read what I wrote... I never said they lost money.... I said they are not "going to" make something that's going to lose money... As in future speculation.

Anyhow I am done with this exchange, there's no sense going back and forth about something that's dead and not coming back.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Please carefully re-read what I wrote... I never said they lost money.... I said they are not "going to" make something that's going to lose money... As in future speculation.

Anyhow I am done with this exchange, there's no sense going back and forth about something that's dead and not coming back.

If they didn't lose money on it the first time, why would you assume they would in the future?

Particularly when technology continuing to advance, especially on the efficiency and battery side, would make it likely that a sub 6" screen device could be literally "the best one they've ever made."

 

[emvath]

Give it two cameras, stereo speakers, make the battery a little bigger even if it means making it a hair thicker....boom, solid product.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Give it two cameras, stereo speakers, make the battery a little bigger even if it means making it a hair thicker....boom, solid product.

Your wish has been granted.

iPhone 17

iPhone 17. Center Stage front camera. Latest-generation Ceramic Shield. 6.3-inch ProMotion display. A19 chip. Five gorgeous colors.

www.apple.com

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Great username, do you also know Dr. Van Nostrand?

I do. I frequently spend time with him but right now he’s at the hoffermadoff mayo Clinic in Belgium.

 

[Unbiasedhippo]

Your wish has been granted.

iPhone 17

iPhone 17. Center Stage front camera. Latest-generation Ceramic Shield. 6.3-inch ProMotion display. A19 chip. Five gorgeous colors.

www.apple.com

17 is solid but the design and the experience of the Air is unmatched for me.

 

[Salty Pirate]

Great, now we just need stereo speakers

Ya know, I am not missing them. I'm out here just doing my thing.

Yesterday, i was playing music on it in the bathroom while showering. Sounded great.

 

[Spinarelo]

I do. I frequently spend time with him but right now he’s at the hoffermadoff mayo Clinic in Belgium.

Very nice. I believe Art Vandelay was the architect who designed that clinic

 

[brilliantthings]

stop trying to gaslight us into believing that 9mm thick phone is somehow only 5.6mm thick. (By that measure, I have a 15" waist...)

At its waist the iPhone Air is 5.6mm thin

 

[WarmWinterHat]

17 is solid but the design and the experience of the Air is unmatched for me.

I've not seen one in person.

At its waist the iPhone Air is 5.6mm thin

 

[MrAR]

That would complete the air as the perfect phone if you ask me; Lightweight with perfect sized screen. Ultra wide is the only camera I feel like I’m missing when always having the pro as a daily driver before.

 

[HouseLannister]

Anytime we use the word "assume" and "99% of consumers" together, we are almost certainly making an error.

Yeah. Like the expression goes: When you are assuming, you make an ass out of Yao Ming.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I will believe when Apple releases Air 2. I don't think it will happen.

 

[urnotl33t]

The mini sold even less than the air. Contrary to what a few very vocal mini enthusiasts would want you to think..... Nobody wants tiny little screens any more

I do. I guess I’m nobody. ☹️

 

[turbineseaplane]

I do. I guess I’m nobody. ☹️

Me too.

Welcome to "Club Nobody."

🏖️☀️🍹

The water is warm and the drinks are cold.

 

[urnotl33t]

Me too.

Welcome to "Club Nobody."

🏖️☀️🍹

The water is warm and the drinks are cold.

Yeah, mini size, no bumps, …the iPhone 5 body with Air internals. Don’t care about stupid speaker. Take it out if necessary. Solves the “moron walking around on speakerphone at max volume” problem.

 

[timmodugdale]

This is good news. I purchased then returned the Air because of the camera performance. I really liked the form factor of the Air and the battery was pretty good as well. It was a mistake to handicap the camera as much as they did. I don't care about the speakers, as I always use AirPods with my phone. I think the Air has a place in the iPhone ecosystem for people who don't want to carry a heavier phone. But they still need a better camera experience than what was provided with the current model.

 

[urnotl33t]

I love you.

Air = light & compact = mini.

It's huge, just like every other phone since the iPhone 13 Mini.

Same here and I would really like if we return a few years back when the camera bump was not existing yet.

I feel so vindicated. I called this 10 years ago.

 

[urnotl33t]

This ~! 👆

I honestly think folks just don't realize how heavy and unwieldy they've ALL gotten, even the Air.

Speaking as someone who uses an SE1 every single night, I can testify that the difference is incredible.

In an alternate universe, where amazing tech packed into a small space was still valued (remember how that used to be a real thing?), a small powerhouse iPhone would be seen as incredible.

I love(d) when I went to the Apple Store and laid my SE against the Air and the crowd nearby took notice. I don’t think the “new” people ever knew such a marvel of engineering and design existed. They were very interested in it. I got nervous when one dude picked it up for comparison. I thought I might not get it back. 😆

 

[cbns]

Apple's second iPhone Air model is in development and could feature two rear cameras instead of one, according to a Chinese leaker with sources within Apple's supply chain.

The Weibo-based account "Digital Chat Station" claims that Apple is evaluating a dual-lens setup for the next version of its ultra-thin iPhone, with a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera joining the existing 48MP Fusion Main camera, similar to the base iPhone 17.

However, the leaker says that the second-generation device will keep the distinctive horizontal camera plateau, suggesting the second lens will sit alongside the existing one, unlike the dual-lens vertical arrangement on the iPhone 17.

Multiple technologies are housed in the plateau of the iPhone Air to maximize space for the battery, so Apple would presumably need to redesign the internals considerably to fit in another camera. Apple will reportedly continue to focus on making the device ultra-thin and lightweight.

Apple will release a second-generation iPhone Air alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026, according to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple also plans to launch a third iPhone Air model with a larger display in the second half of 2027. That said, the first-generation device has apparently not been selling well outside of China, so Apple's plans could change.

Digital Chat Station has a decent track record for Apple rumors. They accurately revealed that the ‌iPhone‌ 15 and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus would feature a slightly smaller 48-megapixel sensor than the ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro Max, as well as the display panel design of the ‌iPhone‌ 12 back in 2020.

Article Link: 2026 iPhone Air Could Feature Two Rear Cameras, Sa

 

[cbns]

Hope it has usb3 too