Apple delays next iPhone Air amid sluggish sales of current model: Report

Apple has made the significant decision to delay the release of its next-generation iPhone Air, which was initially set for autumn 2026. This development follows a lackluster sales performance of the current model, as reported by The Information, citing sources close to the situation. Launched in 2025, the iPhone Air was designed to be a lightweight and sleek alternative within Apple's smartphone range. However, its ultra-thin design came at a cost, including a smaller battery and reduced camera features. Analysts believe these compromises may have hindered its market appeal, resulting in demand falling short of Apple's expectations. The slowdown in sales has led Apple to reassess its product strategy, marking a rare moment of hesitation in the company's typically consistent iPhone release schedule. The iPhone Air's introduction in China faced additional delays due to regulatory hurdles, with pre-orders only opening after local telecom providers received the necessary approvals for eSIM services. Distinctively, the iPhone Air in China is available solely with eSIM functionality, eliminating the physical SIM card tray, which aligns with Apple's ongoing transition towards complete digital connectivity. This model boasts a 6.5-inch ProMotion 120Hz Super Retina XDR display, featuring 3,000 nits of peak brightness and enhanced outdoor contrast. In terms of durability, the device is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims offers superior toughness compared to other smartphone glass, providing three times better scratch resistance and improved anti-reflection properties. Powered by the same A19 Pro processor found in the iPhone 17 Pro series, the iPhone Air promises top-tier performance, featuring a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU designed to handle the most demanding AAA games. Each GPU core also integrates a neural accelerator, purportedly delivering up to three times the peak performance compared to its predecessor, making it well-suited for on-device generative AI applications. On the camera front, the iPhone Air is equipped with a 48MP rear lens featuring optical-quality 2x telephoto zoom and an 18MP front-facing camera designed to enhance selfie quality and versatility.