Apple launched iPhone Air in September last year along with its iPhone 17 series. The smartphone features a 5.6mm thin profile, making it the ‘thinnest iPhone ever’. A new report now suggests that users waiting for the next version of the iPhone Air may have to wait longer. The Cupertino-based company is unlikely to launch a second-generation iPhone Air in 2026. “Apple has at least five new iPhone models in the pipeline,” Nikkei Asia reports. These will include “a revamped iPhone Air, its thinnest-ever model; the standard new iPhone; and three premium models.” However, there is no clarity on when iPhone Air shipments will start, the report says adding it is not expected in 2026.“It is not yet clear when shipments of the Air will start, but they are not expected this year,” the report adds.
Apple may skip iPhone 18 in 2026
Apple iPhone Air is not the only iPhone that the firm may skip this year. As per the report, Apple may skip a 2026 launch for the iPhone 18 and push its debut to 2027. The report cites four people aware of the matter who say that Apple will prioritize premium iPhone launches in 2026 due to the global memory crunch. The tech giant is said to focus on delivering its first-ever foldable iPhone as well as two Pro models for its launch in the second half of the year and the standard iPhone 18 model will be scheduled for shipment in the first half of 2027.“Apple is prioritizing the production and shipment of its three most premium new iPhone models for 2026 while pushing back the shipment of its standard model amid a marketing strategy change and supply chain crunch,” it says.“Supply chain smoothness is one of the key challenges for this year, and the marketing strategy change also played a part in the decision. [to prioritize premium models],” the report quotes an executive with an iPhone supplier who has direct knowledge of the plan.
Supply chain constraints ‘likely’ reason
The report indicates that Apple seems to have started to feel the effects of soaring memory prices, and to minimize any potential production hiccups, the company is taking measures to keep things running smoothly.A Nikkei Asia report earlier stated that the tech supply chain, particularly the consumer electronics segment, is facing mounting pressure over a supply crunch for memory chips and various materials. Not just Apple, but other Chinese smartphone makers, including Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Transsion, have lowered their shipment forecasts for this year.
