iPhone Air 2's Poor Sales May Leave It as the Only Ultra Flagship Next Cycle

The iPhone Air 2, launched in September 2025, failed to attract enough interest, selling fewer than 700,000 units even after multiple price cuts. Its poor reception has directly impacted the industry, prompting doubts among brands about investing in ultra-thin smartphones.

A Weibo leaker known as Digital Chat Station claimed that an unnamed Chinese brand only achieved 50,000 activations with a similar device, and their plans for a follow-up now seem likely to be canceled. The conclusion is that the iPhone Air 2 might be the only flagship ultra-thin model in the upcoming cycle, if it remains in production at all.

Since its release, the iPhone Air has faced low demand. Analysts and supply chain reports indicate Apple asked suppliers to cut capacity by over 80%, and the device is now believed to be out of production. This poor reception has also affected other companies like Xiaomi and Vivo, which had planned similar models but have halted those projects.

Samsung, for example, canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge after poor sales of the S25 Edge. However, a separate leaker stated that Apple will continue to push at least two generations of the iPhone Air, with a possible spring 2027 launch. Apple’s strategy involves splitting the release cycle, reserving fall for Pro and foldable models.

To address criticisms, Apple is reportedly planning a major revision of the iPhone Air 2. Rumors include adding a second rear camera, likely an ultra-wide lens, reducing weight, improving cooling, and increasing battery capacity. The company also aims to incorporate a thinner, brighter OLED technology called CoE to optimize internal space and make the device more competitive.

The iPhone Air 2 might end up being the only ultra flagship of the next cycle if sales continue to decline.