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Apple Said to Test Dual 48MP Cameras for Next iPhone Air

The reported evaluation follows weak first‑generation sales, with any added lens constrained by the Air’s ultra‑thin design.

Overview

  • Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station reports Apple is evaluating a two‑camera setup pairing a 48MP main with a 48MP ultra‑wide for a successor to the iPhone Air, a claim not confirmed by Apple.
  • The design under test would retain the Air’s horizontal camera plateau rather than switch to the vertical arrangement used on iPhone 17 models.
  • Outlets note Apple may rely on a digital 2x crop from the main sensor rather than add a physical telephoto lens to preserve the thin chassis.
  • Fitting a second camera would require significant internal reconfiguration because the Air concentrates key electronics in the camera plateau to maximize battery space.
  • Analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo projects a second‑generation Air in the second half of 2026 alongside iPhone 18 Pro models and a foldable iPhone, though weak first‑gen demand and prior production cuts could still alter plans.