- By Prateek Levi
- Wed, 12 Nov 2025 01:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple seems ready to shake things up in 2026, and not in the way fans expected. According to new reports, the company is reportedly scrapping plans for the iPhone Air 2—a move that could bring next year’s iPhone lineup down to just three models: the iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The reason? The first iPhone Air didn’t exactly fly. Despite being pitched as a lighter and more affordable flagship, sales were underwhelming. Sources claim Apple has already paused production, with Foxconn expected to wind things down by the end of this month and Luxshare having done so earlier in October. It seems the Air couldn’t find its place among Apple’s mainline offerings—a challenge the Mini and Plus models also faced in recent years.
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Still, the iPhone Air might not be gone forever. Insiders suggest Apple could bring it back in 2027, possibly redesigned and better positioned to fill that elusive fourth spot in the lineup.
iPhone 18 Pro lineup: Familiar design, smarter upgrades
While the Air bows out, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are already making noise in the rumour mill. Apple is reportedly refining the design without going for a full overhaul. Expect the same sleek triple-camera setup and sizes—6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max—but with slimmer bezels and possibly a new transparent Ceramic Shield accent near the MagSafe area.
One of the biggest talking points could be Apple’s long-awaited under-display Face ID. If ready in time, it could replace the Dynamic Island entirely, creating a cleaner front design. However, some reports suggest the island might simply shrink rather than disappear completely. Either way, Apple seems focused on delivering a more immersive, edge-to-edge viewing experience.
Under the hood: A20 Pro chip and Apple’s own modem
Powering the new lineup will likely be Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process. Instead of chasing raw speed, Apple is said to be emphasising efficiency, smoother AI integration, and better multitasking. The company’s new “Apple Intelligence” features will reportedly benefit from this chip’s improved internal communication architecture.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup may also debut Apple’s long-rumoured in-house C2 modem, replacing Qualcomm’s solution. If true, this could mean faster 5G performance, lower latency, and more efficient power use — another step toward Apple’s goal of full hardware independence.
Camera and connectivity upgrades
Big changes are brewing behind the lenses too. Apple might finally part ways with Sony and turn to Samsung for its camera sensors. The Korean brand is said to be developing a new three-layer sensor that enhances colour accuracy and low-light performance. Rumours also point to a variable aperture lens system, giving users manual control over depth and exposure — a long-awaited feature for mobile photography enthusiasts.
Beyond cameras, Apple’s next leap could come from above — literally. The company is reportedly working on expanding its satellite network to support 5G internet in remote areas, potentially enabling iPhones to connect even without nearby cell towers.
A simpler, smarter camera control
Apple is also said to be refining the Camera Control button introduced with the iPhone 17 series. Instead of touch-sensitive input, the next iteration could rely purely on pressure detection, simplifying production while improving durability.
If the leaks are accurate, 2026 could mark a turning point for Apple — fewer models, but sharper focus. The Air might be out, but the future of the iPhone lineup looks more ambitious than ever.
