Apple is reportedly preparing a successor to the iPhone Air, expected to launch next year. Recent reports suggest the company will continue its “normal iteration phase,” meaning a yearly refresh that keeps the same thin and lightweight design. The next model is rumored to feature a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with Face ID support, paired with a significant camera upgrade on the back.
The upcoming iPhone Air is expected to include a 48MP ultrawide lens alongside the 48MP main camera, addressing one of the biggest complaints about the current model. The existing iPhone Air, despite its sleek and ultra-thin 5.6mm design, has drawn mixed reviews from users and critics alike.
While its lightweight build is widely praised, many have pointed out trade-offs in performance and practicality. The current model’s single 48MP rear sensor, marketed as offering “multiple cameras in one,” lacks both ultrawide and telephoto options, limiting flexibility for landscape or group photography.
Although it delivers solid results in daylight, image quality in low light and zoom performance lag behind other flagship phones. Battery life has also been a recurring issue, with the 3,149 mAh cell struggling to last a full day under heavy use and reports of faster drain and heating during extended sessions. These shortcomings make the rumored dual-camera upgrade and potential battery improvements in the next iPhone Air a welcome step forward, especially if Apple manages to retain its signature slim and elegant design.
Reports indicate the new dual-camera setup will be placed horizontally, unlike the vertical layout used in the iPhone 17 series. It is still unclear whether the second-generation iPhone Air will support spatial video recording. That feature was one of the main reasons Apple adopted a vertical camera design for its base models.