Apple’s iPhone roadmap for the next two years may be more crowded than previously expected. A new rumor now suggests that Apple could accelerate the launch of its next-generation lightweight iPhone, reversing earlier reports of a delay. Back in November, several reports claimed that Apple had postponed the launch of the iPhone Air 2 to spring 2027. The alleged reason was the underwhelming sales performance of the original iPhone Air, which reportedly failed to meet Apple’s internal expectations.
However, fresh information from a well-known Chinese tipster now paints a very different picture. According to Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, Apple has internally “confirmed” that the iPhone Air 2 will debut at the company’s traditional fall launch event in September 2026. If accurate, this would put the device alongside Apple’s flagship announcements, signaling renewed confidence in the Air lineup rather than a quiet off-cycle release.
The same tipster also claims that the iPhone 17e remains firmly on schedule for a spring launch and has already entered the mass-production phase. This aligns with earlier reports suggesting Apple wants to establish the “e” series as a consistent, more affordable upgrade option between major flagship releases.
Earlier industry expectations painted a more staggered roadmap. Apple was widely expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-rumored iPhone Fold in September 2026. Under that plan, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 17e, and the second-generation iPhone Air were believed to be pushed to spring 2027, creating a clearer separation between premium and mainstream launches.
If the new rumor proves true, Apple could be rethinking that strategy. Launching the iPhone Air 2 alongside high-profile flagships may help the device gain more visibility, especially if Apple introduces notable design improvements, better battery efficiency, or a thinner and lighter form factor that clearly differentiates it from the standard iPhone models.