Apple appears to be hitting pause on its lightweight smartphone ambitions. According to The Information, the tech giant has informed its engineers and suppliers that the second-generation iPhone Air — initially planned for release next year — is being taken off the production schedule indefinitely. The move, described as “rare if not unprecedented,” hints that Apple is reconsidering the future of the Air lineup just months after its debut.

While the iPhone Air 2 hasn’t been scrapped completely, insiders say the project’s development is on hold. Some engineers and manufacturing partners reportedly continue to refine aspects of the device, suggesting that Apple might be exploring a redesign or rethinking its positioning in the broader iPhone family before moving forward.

Originally, the iPhone Air 2 was slated to launch in 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s highly anticipated first foldable iPhone. Early reports pointed to notable upgrades, including a larger battery, a thinner and lighter chassis, and a vapour chamber cooling system similar to that of the iPhone 17 Pro. Supply chain leaks had also hinted at the inclusion of a dual-camera setup — a first for the Air model.

However, weaker-than-expected market performance for the current iPhone Air has reportedly prompted Apple to hit the brakes. The device, which was intended as a more affordable yet ultra-sleek option, appears to have struggled to resonate with consumers. Foxconn, Apple’s primary production partner for the Air, has scaled down operations, shutting all but one and a half assembly lines, with plans to end production completely by the end of November. Luxshare, another assembly partner, is said to have already halted production by late October.

Analysts believe Apple’s strategy may have misread consumer sentiment. While the iPhone Air emphasized portability and a lighter design, the market seems increasingly focused on power, battery endurance, and camera performance over minimal weight and thinness. This shift in priorities may have forced Apple to reassess how the Air series fits within its broader lineup.

For now, Apple’s roadmap for 2026 is expected to focus on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company’s first foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 and a more budget-friendly iPhone 18e are reportedly planned for early 2027, leaving the Air’s fate uncertain — at least for the time being.

Still, not all hope is lost for fans of the lightweight model. One source told The Information that Apple may revive the iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, potentially launching it alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. If that happens, the Air could return not just as a simple upgrade but as a completely reimagined product designed to better align with Apple’s evolving hardware strategy and consumer expectations.

Apple has yet to make any official statements regarding the pause or the future of the iPhone Air line.