GoKawiiliPhone Air seen as groundwork for Apple's rumored foldable iPhone
Despite underwhelming sales, Apple's ultra-thin iPhone Air appears to have served as a testing ground for thinner designs and component choices that could enable a foldable iPhone. Analysts suggest Apple may debut a foldable device, speculatively called the iPhone Ultra, at its September event, with a second-generation Air possibly following in early 2027.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
If accurate, this reframes the Air not as a commercial misstep but as a deliberate R&D step toward a new product category that could reshape Apple's lineup and revenue mix. Apple's entry into foldables could also validate and accelerate the broader market, which analysts already expect to grow over 12% this year.
- iPhone Air sales disappointed but may have proven feasibility of thinner iPhone designs.
- A foldable iPhone, possibly called iPhone Ultra, could launch at Apple's Sept. 9 event.
- Apple's entry could boost global foldable phone shipments, forecast to grow over 12% this year.
Apple iPhone Air — The star of the article itself: Apple's thinnest iPhone yet, light enough to disappear in a pocket while still feeling solid in the hand. If you're curious about the engineering that may lead to Apple's foldable, this is the device to try.
See Apple iPhone Air on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Abrar Al-Heeti, 2026-08-28
Published there as: “The iPhone Air Is One of Apple’s Most Important Products, Even if It Wasn’t a Blockbuster”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.