Apple hosted its annual iPhone launch event on Wednesday, and something we didn’t see — along with base iPhone 18 models, as Apple focused purely on premium devices — was a second iteration of its lightweight iPhone Air.
At just 5.6mm thick and weighing only 165 grams, last year’s $999 iPhone 17 Air gave buyers a middle-ground option between the base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro models, and for a pretty reasonable price.
While sales of the iPhone Air were reportedly disappointing, it was arguably a first step toward launching the iPhone Duo — a demonstration that a slim, lightweight phone could be just as durable and high-functioning as a fully specced-out one. It came with just one rear 48-megapixel wide-angle camera, a smaller battery and a single speaker.
The Air’s pared-back features and slim profile would have been pivotal to designing Apple’s new folding phone, since foldables must be both slim and make similar compromises on specs — the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 only has two rear lenses, compared with the three that come on other Galaxy models, and the iPhone Duo likewise has just two rear cameras.
We were hoping Apple would release another version of the Air with improved cameras and battery life, especially since that middle ground still exists. Some people just want a phone that’s slightly better than the base iPhone, and many people want a capable phone without having to spend upward of $1,199 — the cheapest phone Apple announced on Wednesday as it took the wraps off premium handsets like the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
Many people also don’t want a phone that folds. CNET’s survey of more than 2,600 adults last month found that 75% were not interested in a foldable iPhone and that most would want to spend less than $1,000 if they did get one. But the Duo costs between $1,999 and $3,199 — far exceeding the iPhone Air’s original $999 price tag.
Apple also raised the prices on its iPhone 17 lineup on Wednesday as it announced its new high-end handsets, leaving the middle ground with fewer options, even in previously available models. The iPhone 17 Air now starts at $1,099, with the price increases coming amid RAMageddon, the global memory shortage caused by the spike in AI tools. Apple continues to whittle down options for more budget-conscious consumers in a difficult economy.
We’re still holding out hope that the iPhone 18 Air has been pushed back until a rumored spring launch, where it could be unveiled alongside an iPhone 18 base model and a potential iPhone 18E, the budget follow-up to this year’s iPhone 17E.
IDC Worldwide Device Trackers Senior Research Director Nabila Popal likewise believes Apple is strategically withholding the second iPhone Air until next year to bundle with the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18E — launching a trio of more affordable smartphones to contrast with the premium trio of the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and Duo that were just announced.
“It allows Apple to spread its shipments more evenly throughout the year and simultaneously allow the spotlight on the premium models this fall — especially the new iPhone foldable,” Popal said. “Apple is spreading its portfolio to a wider consumer demographic and giving consumers more choice.”
But for now, the lack of lower-end models means anyone wanting to upgrade their phone to a brand-new Apple handset will be stuck choosing between an $1,199 iPhone 18 Pro and up to an eye-watering $3,199 for a 2TB iPhone Duo.
Corinne Reichert
See full bio