Apple report: Foldable iPhone Ultra 2 already in the works, iPhone Air 3 face uncertain future
Apple has reportedly greenlit development for its second-generation foldable iPhone (dubbed the iPhone Ultra 2) well ahead of the first version’s retail debut. Conversely, the future of its ultra-thin iPhone Air lineup remains highly uncertain, according to prominent tech leaker Digital Chat Station.
Depending on how well the upcoming models sell, Apple may prioritize its premium foldables while putting its ultra-slim handsets on the back burner.
Dual-Generation Planning for the Foldable “Ultra”
According to recent supply chain leaks on Weibo, Apple has already signed off on the iPhone Ultra 2 project. The tech giant reportedly plans to reuse the exact same display technology for both the first and second generations of the book-style foldable to offset rising component costs.
- The Screen Specs: The foldable is rumored to feature a massive 7.8-inch main display and a 5.5-inch outer screen.
- The Technology: Samsung is slated as the exclusive supplier for these advanced M16 LTPO OLED displays, which utilize an integrated color-filter layer. This specific design drastically reduces the phone’s overall thickness and minimizes the visibility of the screen crease.
- Timeline: While the first-generation foldable is heavily rumored for a late 2026 launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup, early timelines suggest the Ultra 2 could arrive by fall 2027.
The iPhone Air 3 Pauses for a Reality Check
While the foldable path seems clear, the ultra-thin iPhone Air 3 is currently stuck in limbo. Apple has reportedly held back on entering the tooling stage for a third-generation slim model.
Instead, the company is taking a wait-and-see approach. Executives want to closely monitor how the upcoming iPhone Air 2 performs in the market before committing to a successor. If consumer demand for the super-slim design is weak, Apple may delay the Air 3 indefinitely or cancel the line altogether.
