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iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 18e Reportedly Launching Early Next Year

This all sounds great and I'm excited for the Air 2 but I find the battery on my current Air to be more than acceptable so I hope the larger battery doesn't significantly increase the weight. Seems like most of the complaints about the Air have been around the lack of a 2nd camera and lack of dual external speakers...not so much about battery life.
 
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dbc34 said:
I would buy an iPhone Air if I could get macro and zoom lenses. I like taking photos of all distances.
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Me too, so after I got my Air, I got a compact travel super zoom camera (it also does ok macro) to put in my fanny pack and take on occasions where I think I'll be taking pictures. It's expensive and another thing to carry and often I choose not to bring it, but I was honestly just not using the extra lenses often enough to justify using a thick heavy phone all day every day (I had before and I resented the phone). Plus the dedicated camera has a much stronger zoom. Having two optimized devices suits me much much better.
I also got a Sandmarc microscope lens for the Air just for fun.
 
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Salty Pirate said:
I would split the lineup differently.

Keep a big iPhone pro for the battery life people and make the normal iPhone pro closer to the Air, thin and light.

The current pro models are quite chunky. They need to go on a diet.

The Air has been a revelation. I was skeptical of the air at first, mainly the battery life.

But that never panned out as being an issue. I charge anytime I am able. It’s fine.

The camera is very limiting compared to the Pro models, in fact it pisses me off. It’s the only real issue with the Air.

The single speaker is disappointing, but hardly a show stopper.

The Air’s screen is awesome. The thinness and lightness is awesome.
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I think you just described why the lineup is actually pretty good.

We have the 18e, 18 and then Air for budget, base, and premium non-“Pro” phones that each have fewer limitations than the last.

Then the Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra for the two most popular models for people who need the most battery and camera at the option of screen size, and the Ultra essentially gives you everything. Same size as Pro when folded, bigger than Pro Max when open, and boy are you paying for the privilege.

I thought there were too many iPhone models but split up this way there actually maybe room for six models.
 
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dbc34 said:
I would buy an iPhone Air if I could get macro and zoom lenses. I like taking photos of all distances.
Click to expand...

I like the idea of resetting expectations and returning to single lenses but it should be variable. One lens with variable focal length would be fine for me. From a wide to a 2x optical zoom would be fine. Those seeking more would get the Pro.

I wasn't due for a new phone this year so I skipped the Air but I love how slim it is while having a screen size between the standard and Max/Plus. Not concerned about the speaker, I use AirPods.
 
JPack said:
It'll be even worse for the Air 2. When the Air launched last year, it was able to siphon some new iPhone sales momentum from the 17 Pro/Max. Hardly anyone will be willing to wait 6 months after 18 Pro/Max/Ultra to fork out $999 for Air 2. People willing to wait 6 months are pragmatic, wait and see customers. They're not the type to buy Air 2.
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I'm sitting here waiting.

15 PM.
Don't think ill go for it until it has mmWave.
Was checking into a cruise recently and my friend with a air could not load -anything- because the lack of it. Terminal was too busy and anything besides it was beyond clogged.
 
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I don't care about any of them - they are both too big.
I will stubbornly keep my 13 mini until Cook is gone. It will suvive him 😤
Long live the mini 🥳
 
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If they add a zoom lens, a second speaker, and a USB 3 port to the Air I will give it another shot.
 
MacRumors said:


Apple plans to release an updated iPhone Air and a lower-end iPhone 18e early next year, according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

iphone-air-all-colors.jpg

In a report this week, he said Apple plans to unveil the two devices in spring 2027, alongside a standard iPhone 18. If so, Apple will likely announce the trio of devices in March or April next year. It is unclear if there will be a live-streamed event.

Given the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 17e were unveiled in the first quarter of 2025 and 2026, respectively, it is no surprise that an iPhone 18e will follow around the first quarter of next year. However, it is notable that a new iPhone Air and the standard iPhone 18 will apparently be introduced at the same time.

The current iPhone Air and the standard iPhone 17 debuted in September last year, but several reports have indicated that Apple is moving to more of a split launch going forward, with multiple iPhone models arriving in spring and fall.

Here is when each new iPhone model is expected to launch:
  • September 2026: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and "iPhone Ultra"
  • March 2027: iPhone 18e, iPhone 18, and iPhone Air 2
Apple's plans for a split launch have been reported on for many months, so this is nothing new. However, there have been conflicting reports about exactly when the iPhone Air 2 will be released, so Gurman's spring 2027 timeframe provides clarity.

The iPhone 18e and the iPhone 18 will likely receive an A20 chip and little else, while the next iPhone Air is rumored to feature an A20 chip, a second rear camera, a larger battery, and the iPhone 17 Pro's vapor chamber cooling system.

According to a leaker on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, Apple even plans to release an iPhone Air 3 eventually, even though sales of the current iPhone Air have reportedly been low relative to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro.

Article Link: iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 18e Reportedly Launching Early Next Year
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So they're not giving it the a20 pro chip OMG!?
 
Apple needs to put more effort into marketing the iPhone Air, it was literally non existent at launch. It is a very nice phone and the 2nd gen should address the compromises, then no one will have anything to complain about. Battery life is decent, people on MR just splitting hairs over this, knowing it’s fine in reality.
 
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I’ll likely be in the market for an air 2 next spring. Love my OG, just hope there’s some more interesting colours next time round.
 
datsdatcharlie said:
we are not buying the 18e
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Define "we." I've got a 14PM, just replaced the battery, and figure that by spring of next year I'll be ready for a new phone. I found that I rarely use any of the features I bought the 14PM for, but love the Apple ecosystem - so the 18e seems like just the thing!
 
Lioness~ said:
I don't care about any of them - they are both too big.
I will stubbornly keep my 13 mini until Cook is gone. It will suvive him 😤
Long live the mini 🥳
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Okay, but now that Cook is gone (not entirely, but...) When are you moving on? Honestly, I kinda miss my 12 mini!
 
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boomom999 said:
Okay, but now that Cook is gone (not entirely, but...) When are you moving on? Honestly, I kinda miss my 12 mini!
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I'm definitely moving on together with my iPhone 13 ♥️
1st: I'll wait to see what ideas Ternus have around phones. Today nothing feels that interesting.
Air or e-phones, are like meh - 17, 18 or coming 19, to heavy probably.

2nd: My 13 mini is fine after I freed up a lot of space, mostly YouTube stuff. I can do that every 4-6 month or so, not a big deal. But sure it's not the fastest of devices.
It's obvious when new upgrades are installed 😖 - well, I'll know when it will be time to downgrade to a bigger phone 😕
 
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