Apple outlines iPhone Air 2 upgrades and design team reshuffle ahead of new CEO appointment

Apple is developing a second‑generation iPhone Air that is expected to launch in early 2027. The new model will add a dual‑camera system – a main sensor paired with an ultra‑wide lens – and will offer longer battery life, reportedly achieved through a larger capacity, software tweaks and the upcoming A20 Pro system‑on‑chip. The device is slated to arrive alongside the standard iPhone 18 in the fall of 2027, with a special commemorative edition planned for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone.

At the same time, Apple’s design organization is undergoing a major restructure. Following the departure of several long‑time designers after Jony Ive left the company, incoming chief executive John Ternus is preparing a re‑allocation of design responsibilities before he formally assumes the CEO role on 1 September. Jeff Williams now oversees industrial design, and Molly Anderson was appointed vice‑president of industrial design in March 2026. Notable exits include senior software designer Alan Dye, who moved to Meta in December 2025. The changes aim to tie design more closely to operational and supply‑chain functions as Apple navigates AI development, EU regulatory pressure and upcoming hardware launches.