An iPhone Air 2 and iPhone Fold in 2026? Here’s What to Expect [Leaks]

Apple was initially rumored to launch two new designs in 2026 - a super-thin iPhone Air 2 and iPhone Fold (a first of its kind!). This is exciting news even for us.

If the leaks turn out to be true, it could mean that we’ll get faster chips, camera upgrades, and a brand-new take on how an iPhone feels in the hand (and in your pocket).

With a thinner profile, users may soon be searching for a thin iPhone case – and Thinborne is ready!

Read on if you’re curious about all the hype and how these next-gen iPhones could change our lives.

A new iPhone Air 2 could bring the balance back again to Apple’s lineup. In fact, analysts believe it will land somewhere between the standard iPhone and SE lineup, and feature the following:

• Thinner, premium feel

• More lightweight

• Cleaner camera bump

Here are the rumored specs for the iPhone Air 2:

• A18 or A19 chip

• 6.1-inch - 6.7-inch display

• Improved battery efficiency without added bulk
  

With Samsung and Google releasing their versions of foldables, a folding iPhone has long been a dream for Apple fans. Well, 2026 may very well be the year when this dream comes true.

We’ve actually been hearing about foldable iPhone prototypes since 2018. Reports say that Apple rejected earlier designs due to durability issues (nobody wants a $2,000 phone to die in just a few months).

However, recent reports suggest that the project has now progressed beyond the experimental stage and is moving toward the production phase.

Clamshell or Book-Style?

There is differing information about the release of Apple’s foldable phone. Some leaks suggest it will feature a clamshell design, while other reports indicate a book-style design. Either way, users can expect that it:

• Opens to a familiar-sized screen (clamshell) or an expanded screen (book-style)

• Comes in a sleek design that folds

• Would include a cover display

Specs and Hardware Expectations

Rumors about the folding iPhone’s specs include the following:

• A19 or A20 Bionic chip

• Titanium-reinforced hinge

• Crease-resistant flexible glass

As with any pre-launch buzz, the iPhone Air 2 and folding iPhone leaks are coming from a mix of established insiders and speculative reports. And while not every rumor holds weight, a few reliable voices are worthy to be heard.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is one of those people who are followed for his iPhone leaks and predictions.

Apple fans are also quoting Analyst Jeff Pu for his foldable iPhone leaks and predictions.

Android Authority also features articles on these leaks, such as the report that Apple is said to be partnering with LG Display for a folding iPhone.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is even reportedly concerned about the lack of a folding iPhone.

And of course, Redditors are also discussing how Apple leaks and rumors work:

Rumors on the iPhone Air 2 have also excited many fans, so we’ll take a look at some more credible sources.

9to5Mac reported that Apple delayed the release of the iPhone Air 2 to “work on a redesign of the device and make it more appealing to consumers.”

MacRumors also reported that the iPhone Air 2 is rumored to get a significant camera upgrade before its launch.

Here’s a tweet from the New York Post about the iPhone Air 2 coming soon:

DealBee Deals also tweeted about the delayed release of the second-generation Air

Apple Club also has something interesting to say…

So… while nothing is officially confirmed yet, there are enough rumors (insider information?) circulating about Apple’s 2026-2027 lineup. If even some of these rumors are true, we could expect some of the brand’s boldest moves ever.

If you’re thinking whether to upgrade now or to wait for the exciting things that could happen in 2026, here’s a checklist to help you out:

Upgrade now if:

• Your current phone is already begging for a replacement

• You want to avoid high price points for the first-gen foldable iPhone

• You want a proven (reliable) camera technology

Wait for 2026 (or 2027) if:

• You want a thinner iPhone.

• You want something radically new.

• You’ve always waited for a foldable iPhone.

Indeed, Apple has everyone excited for 2026 (and 2027, if there are delays).

The iPhone Air 2 could potentially be the best pocket-friendly mobile device. As for the folding iPhone, it’s expected to compete with already existing Android foldables - let’s wait and see if it delivers (we’re guessing it would!).

Here at Thinborne, we’re excited to build phone cases for Apple’s new releases. We know these phones are special, so we’ll deliver on our promise of making durable and protective thin cases (like we always do).

Bottom line: Thinborne’s thin phone case + your iPhone = Happiness.