Apple might address one of the biggest criticisms of its ultra-thin iPhone Air by adding a second camera to the next-generation model, according to a new leak Thursday from a reliable source with knowledge of the company’s supply chain. Unfortunately, it looks like the new addition to the iPhone Air will be a wide-angle camera, not the popular telephoto found in iPhone Pro models.
However, if the dual-camera system materializes, it would make the iPhone Air a more compelling option for users seeking an ultra-thin device without sacrificing essential photography features.
iPhone Air wide-angle camera could come in next generation
The super-slender iPhone Air drew a lot of attention when it launched in September due to its irresistibly sleek design. But sales haven’t lived up to the hype.
In one possible improvement, Apple is “considering adding a new camera lens” to what Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station refers to as the iPhone 18 Air.
The upgraded model would pair a 48MP main camera with a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, the leaker said in a Weibo post, noting that “a telephoto lens would be even better,” though current plans apparently don’t include one. Certainly, many users would love to see a telephoto lens, and many would prefer it to a wide-angle lens.
Design and display features remain unchanged
According to the leak, the second-generation iPhone Air will retain the core design elements that define the current model. The new device will probably keep the 6.5-inch high-refresh rate display and Face ID system. And it would also retain the distinctive horizontal “runway” camera plateau that houses multiple technologies to maximize battery space in the device’s ultra-thin chassis.
The post indicates the device is “currently in a normal iteration phase.” That suggests development is proceeding on schedule for a potential 2026 release alongside other iPhone 18 models.
Single camera remains a sticking point
The iPhone Air’s single rear camera helps make the device ultra-portable, but obviously limited its photographic capabilities compared to Pro models. For many users, particularly those who regularly use ultra-wide or telephoto lenses, the single-camera setup has been a dealbreaker despite the appealing form factor.
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously reported that the first-generation iPhone Air hasn’t performed as well as expected in markets outside China. That could explain why Apple is reconsidering the camera configuration for the second generation.
Track record suggests credibility iPhone Air wide-angle camera leak
Digital Chat Station has established a respectable track record for Apple leaks. For example, the leaker accurately predicted camera sensor details for the iPhone 15 lineup and display panel designs for the iPhone 12 well ahead of the devices’ unveilings.
However, as with all early-stage development leaks, Apple’s final plans could change before launch.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
