Apple Reportedly Delays Next iPhone Air Launch Amid Weak Sales

Apple has reportedly decided to delay the next version of its iPhone Air until after fall 2026, according to a report from The Information, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The move comes just a year after Apple introduced the iPhone Air (2025), a thinner and lighter addition to its flagship lineup designed to appeal to consumers seeking a sleek, minimalist form factor. However, analysts say demand for the model has been weaker than expected, raising concerns about the market appetite for design-focused variants that make performance trade-offs.

While praised for its elegant design, the iPhone Air’s smaller battery and pared-down camera system were viewed by some consumers as compromises compared to the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models.

Apple has not commented on the report, and Reuters said it could not independently verify the delay.

In October, Apple announced that the iPhone Air would be available for pre-order in China, following regulatory approval for eSIM-only connectivity, meaning the model is sold without a physical SIM tray.

The delay signals that Apple may be reassessing its strategy for the Air model as global smartphone demand remains under pressure and competition intensifies in China and other key markets.