A new rumor from an
Assumptions and Known Plans
The move would mark a major shift in Apple’s strategy. Previously, forecasts showed that Apple plans to release products in three batches in the spring of 2027: the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2, following the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series and the brand’s first foldable phone in September this year.
Caution should be exercised regarding the reliability of information sources. “Early Apple” is an account with no confirmed history of leaks, so the proposal is more of a speculation than a confirmed plan. However, the possibility that ultra-thin wires will eventually replace traditional wire types has been previously raised by analysts such as Jon Prosser, although they did not explicitly state it at the time. Design the transition long-term rather than as an immediate reorganization next year.


Technology integration for entry-level products
From an actual user perspective, integrating these two product lines provides a certain degree of coherence for future development. Rumor has it that the iPhone Air 2 will feature a second rear camera, which would eliminate one of the iPhone Air’s major functional disadvantages relative to the iPhone 18, thereby closing the technology gap between the two.
While it makes sense from a technical perspective, the next generation of products is unlikely to see such drastic changes in naming conventions and product classifications. If Apple does make this move, it would simplify the product catalog, but… it would set the starting price for the standard version at $999. This makes the iPhone 18e the most affordable model.
Do you think it’s appropriate for the iPhone Air’s ultra-thin design to completely replace the standard model, or is it more likely to retain the traditional body to leave more space for the battery and components?