In a significant shift from its usual strategy, Apple replaced the iPhone 16 Plus in its flagship lineup with a new, sleek model called the iPhone Air. While the device initially generated buzz on social media, it was soon followed by reports of poor sales and a postponed next edition, suggesting the experiment had failed. However, a fresh report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman now claims this may not be the whole truth.
The Real Story Behind iPhone Air Sales
According to Gurman, Apple's internal projections for the iPhone Air were always modest. The tech giant anticipated that the slim and light phone would account for roughly 6 to 8% of new iPhone sales. Contrary to the narrative of failure, Gurman states that the device's performance has 'roughly' matched the sales figures of the iPhone 16 Plus model it replaced. This indicates that the device is meeting the company's expectations, not underperforming.
Gurman strengthens his case by pointing out Apple's marketing strategy. Despite making a big deal about the iPhone Air during its September launch event, Apple has since done little to market the phone. This lack of sustained promotional effort suggests that the company never anticipated massive fanfare for this particular model in the first place.
iPhone Air: A Prototype for Apple's Foldable Future?
The report reveals a potentially more strategic role for the iPhone Air. It is described as essentially a 'prototype' on the route to Apple's long-rumoured foldable iPhone. The iPhone Air reportedly uses many of the same materials, miniaturization techniques, internal components, batteries, and software optimizations destined for the foldable device.
The underlying idea is believed to be a move to prepare the Apple supply chain for these advanced components, making the iPhone Air a crucial testbed for future technology rather than just a consumer product.
What's Next for the iPhone Air Line?
So, what does the future hold for the iPhone Air 2? Gurman provides clarity on the device's launch timeline. The fact that Apple named it 'iPhone Air' and not 'iPhone 17 Air' signals that it won't be tied to the annual September release cycle.
Instead, the analyst predicts that the iPhone Air 2 could launch alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in the first half of 2027. This aligns with earlier reports confirming that the iPhone 18 is being removed from the traditional September launch window.
As for features, Gurman predicts the iPhone Air 2 could come with a processor based on a 2-nanometer process chip, which would significantly help improve battery life—a major drawback of the first model. However, don't expect a major camera upgrade. Adding an ultra-wide camera would require a complete redesign of the camera island, which Apple may avoid as it is considered one of the 'least used iPhone cameras'.
