Apple is working on a new version of the iPhone Air. According to a leak, the company is currently testing a configuration with two rear cameras for the 2026 model year. The camera unit is expected to remain horizontally oriented. The goal is to upgrade the device's technology without sacrificing its ultra-thin design.
The iPhone Air was positioned as a particularly thin and light model in the iPhone lineup. It complements the standard models and the Pro variants, but differs in its more compact design. According to recent reports, Apple is preparing a second iPhone Air for 2026, following the initial release. A third model with a larger display is planned for 2027. This development is proceeding alongside other iPhone projects, including the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone.
Two rear cameras planned
According to the well-known Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently testing a version of the 2026 iPhone Air with a dual-camera system. The new configuration combines a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera with a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera. This is the same camera setup as the base iPhone 17.
The camera platform will remain horizontal. The two lenses will sit side-by-side in the existing camera bar, unlike the vertical arrangement in the iPhone 17. This preserves the characteristic design of the iPhone Air, despite the additional hardware.
Lack of space inside
Integrating a second camera is technically challenging. The iPhone Air's camera unit is part of a platform that houses multiple components in a compact space. This design maximizes battery space without increasing the device's thickness.
To integrate a second camera, Apple would have to significantly restructure the device's internal components. Despite this, the casing is expected to remain thin and light. According to the report, corresponding tests are currently underway.
Schedule and classification
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the new iPhone Air to be unveiled in the second half of 2026 – alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's first foldable iPhone. According to the report, another iPhone Air with a larger display is planned for fall 2027.
Digital Chat Station has made several accurate predictions about Apple products in the past. These include details about the camera specifications of the iPhone 15 and the display design of the iPhone 12.
Apple plans to expand the functionality of the iPhone Air
The 2026 iPhone Air could feature a redesigned camera system. A second rear camera is reportedly in the testing phase, according to a leak. Despite the technical challenges, the horizontal camera platform is expected to be retained. Apple apparently plans to further expand the model line and bring it closer to the standard models in terms of technology – without abandoning the slim and lightweight design. (Image: Shutterstock / Framesira)
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