iPhone release strategy 2026: here comes the foldable and another Air

A new report shows Apple is not ditching its slimmest smartphone, iPhone Air, from the lineup despite its low sales.

This year, during Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, the company released the iPhone 17 lineup, which included a new model, iPhone 17 Air.

It has been speculated that in 2026, users may also receive the iPhone Air 2.

According to information shared by analyst Max Weinbach on X, a report by JP Morgan analysts reveals that the company plans to release the iPhone Air 2 in 2026, as well as the iPhone Air 3 in 2027.

While this report isn’t official, the information it includes comes from sources within the industry, making it somewhat reliable, according to TechRadar.

What Apple smartphone releases should be expected in 2026?

Despite the iPhone Air sales being rather stagnant, the situation doesn’t change Apple’s plans to keep releasing thinner iPhones.

However, maintaining a slim appearance might be the reason why future Air smartphones will feature the same single-lens 48MP rear camera as the current iPhone Air.

Next year, the company will celebrate its 50th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, Apple is expected to release a range of new devices, one of which might be its first foldable smartphone.

While it has been speculated that the first Apple foldable will be released in 2026, the report suggests that it will not arrive until the second half of the year.

When it comes to the foldable’s features, the future smartphone may not include Face ID, but will be equipped with a 24MP selfie camera as well as a dual-lens 48MP+48MP setup. It will also include an ultrawide sensor, but won’t include a telephoto lens.

Every year, Apple tends to present its latest smartphones during the autumn launch, with iPhone 18 being no exception, releasing iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Pro Max devices in the second half of 2026. Meanwhile, its addition to the lineup, the iPhone 18e, as well as the iPhone 18, is scheduled for release in 2027.

Future Apple products to launch in 2026

Besides the new iPhones, the company is also expected to release a new MacBook Air featuring the recently announced M5 chip, as well as a MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro and M5 Mac chips.

Apple should also upgrade its entry-level iPads with an A18 chip and release an iPad with an M4 processor.

It has been reported that the company is also working on a new Mac, which will belong to the affordable tier of Apple computers and be tailored to users seeking an everyday laptop at a modest price.

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