[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Speculation is growing that the iPhone Air 2 will be released. Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone Air 2 could be unveiled this fall alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and a foldable iPhone, or launched in spring 2027 at the same time as the base iPhone 18, reports say. With multiple rumours already circulating, attention is focused on what upgrades Apple will apply to the next-generation Air model. On Jan. 28, IT outlet PhoneArena reviewed seven changes expected to be applied to the iPhone Air 2.

2-nanometer chip expected According to the industry, the iPhone Air 2 is likely to feature a next-generation processor based on a 2-nanometer (nm) process. The chip is known as the A20 Pro chipset. It is expected to focus on significantly improving power efficiency to boost performance and battery life at the same time. This is seen as a measure to address battery endurance, cited as the biggest weakness of the first-generation iPhone Air.

Upgrade to a dual camera Changes are also expected in the camera setup. The first-generation iPhone Air featured only a single 48-megapixel camera. The iPhone Air 2 could adopt a dual-camera system. The added camera is likely to be an ultra-wide lens, which is expected to broaden how the camera can be used.

Possible price cut Pricing policy could also change. The current iPhone Air starts at $999, which has been seen as burdensome for an ultra-thin concept. Some rumours suggest the iPhone Air 2 price could be cut to around $899. Apple has maintained a cautious stance on price cuts, however, and whether it will actually adjust the price is uncertain.

Display with CoE technology The display is also expected to be upgraded. The iPhone Air 2 is likely to feature an OLED panel with CoE (Color on Encapsulation) technology. The technology removes the polarising layer in existing OLEDs and places the colour filter directly on the encapsulation layer. That can make the screen thinner and brighter while improving power efficiency. It is seen as a suitable technology for the Air lineup, which emphasises an ultra-thin design.

6.55-inch LTPO panel retained The display size and baseline specifications are expected to be similar to the previous model. The iPhone Air 2 is expected to keep a 6.55-inch 120Hz LTPO panel. The Dynamic Island feature is also expected to remain. It is not expected to differ much from the existing Air model, which was officially classified as 6.5 inches.

Even thinner design The exterior design is expected to see no major changes, with only the thickness becoming slimmer. The iPhone Air is 5.6 mm thick, and the next-generation model is expected to maintain at least that level or become even thinner. The action button and the camera control button are expected to remain.

Release timing Forecasts for the launch schedule are mixed. Some reports expect an unveiling in fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series. Others suggest Apple could change its strategy and introduce it in spring 2027 with the base iPhone 18 model.

Industry watchers say how far the iPhone Air 2 overcomes the limits of an ultra-thin design will be key to its commercial success.