iPhone Air Production Halted; Next-Gen Model Pushed to 2027 Amid Team Changes

Apple is reportedly working on its second-generation iPhone Air, featuring upgraded hardware, modified internal components, and a revised launch timing. The reports are coming at a time when major changes are happening inside the company's design organization. A new report says a key member who contributed a lot to the design of the iPhone Air has now left the company. His exit continues a series of changes that have happened within Apple's design team in the past several years, which has been constantly evolving with the development of new products.

Abidur Chaudhuri, who was an industrial designer at Apple and appeared in the iPhone Air launch video, has left the company to join an artificial intelligence startup, according to a Bloomberg report. His departure has been widely discussed within Apple, as he was seen as an increasingly influential member of the design group.

The report stated that Chaudhuri spent more than six years at Apple and played a key role in developing the hardware and overall design direction of the iPhone Air. The report stated that his departure is not related to the phone's launch or initial sales performance, which received mixed reviews despite praise for its design.

It's worth noting that Apple's design team has seen significant changes since Ive's departure in 2019, with several longtime members leaving and the team now composed mostly of new hires. According to the report, the team has faced further setbacks this year, including the departure of COO Jeff Williams and the departure of several members from Alan Dye's UI team. Following Williams' departure, Apple stated that the design team will now report directly to CEO Tim Cook.

Reports indicate that iPhone Air production has been completely halted, after previous manufacturing cuts had already pushed output close to end-of-line levels. The model is struggling in the market, particularly due to its single rear camera and pricing, which places it very close to high-end iPhones. Despite the production halt, it's unclear whether Apple has permanently discontinued the device or is simply temporarily halting it to clear existing inventory.

Apple is reportedly developing a second-generation iPhone Air that will feature two cameras, a larger battery, and improved cooling, but its 2026 launch timeline has now been pushed back.

Reports indicate that Apple will adopt a new staggered release strategy starting in fall 2026. The company will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with its first foldable iPhone, at that time. The remaining models—like the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and updated iPhone Air—will launch in the spring of 2027. This change will significantly alter Apple's annual launch cycle, as product launches will now be spread across two seasons instead of a single September event.