Second-gen iPhone Air development halted indefinitely, report claims

Apple has reportedly halted development of the second-generation iPhone Air in a move described as “rare, if not unprecedented,” according to a new report from The Information. The outlet claims Apple recently notified engineers and suppliers that the next version of the ultra-thin handset had been taken off the schedule entirely, with no new release window provided — effectively pausing the project indefinitely. The report was later picked up by 9to5Mac.

The development freeze comes amid mounting signs that the iPhone Air has struggled to meet Apple’s expectations. Over recent weeks, multiple reports have indicated that Apple has slashed production orders for the device to what suppliers are calling “end-of-production levels” following softer-than-expected demand. One component supplier cited forecasts that have “almost entered end-of-production mode,” dropping sharply from earlier projections to roughly 10% fewer orders compared with September.

The iPhone Air — Apple’s thinnest handset to date at just 5.6mm — features a titanium frame, second-generation Ceramic Shield and a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. But its extreme slimness comes with trade-offs, including a single rear camera and a smaller battery than the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. Analysts have suggested these compromises may have contributed to its weaker sales performance.

Despite this, one recent leak claimed that Apple had been exploring a dual-camera system for the second-generation model, bringing the Air closer in capability to the standard iPhone lineup. Whether that work will resume — or if the iPhone Air remains part of Apple’s long-term plans — now appears uncertain.