It was reported that the iPhone Air wasn’t selling as well as Apple had hoped. Samsung experienced a similar situation with the Galaxy S25 Edge, as its ultra-thin flagship didn’t exactly sell like hotcakes either. Now, Apple has reportedly taken a page from Samsung’s playbook with the Galaxy S26 Edge.
### iPhone Air 2 Taken Off Next Year’s Schedule
According to a report from The Information, citing three people involved with the project, Apple has notified engineers and suppliers that the next iPhone Air has been taken off the schedule without a new release date. The company had originally planned to launch the iPhone Air 2 next fall alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Fold.
The upcoming iPhone Air 2 was expected to be lighter, feature a larger battery, and possibly include the new vapor chamber cooling system introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro.
### Production to Stop Soon
While Apple hasn’t officially canceled the iPhone Air 2, the report says some engineers and suppliers are still working on the device, indicating a “wait and see” approach. This hesitation is mainly due to the disappointing sales of the original iPhone Air.
Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn is reportedly planning to end production of the iPhone Air by next month. Luxshare, the second manufacturer, has already ceased production of the device last month.
### Parallels Between Apple and Samsung
This situation is playing out for Apple much like it did for Samsung. Both companies seem to have overestimated the market demand for ultra-thin flagship smartphones and no longer see a strong business case for continuing these models next year.
Samsung had initially intended to replace the Galaxy S26+ with the Galaxy S26 Edge in their upcoming lineup. However, this plan has now been shelved, and the Galaxy S26+ is firmly back in place.
### What’s Next for Samsung?
Recent reports suggest that Samsung is still working on a slim phone, but it appears to be different from the model that was supposed to replace the Galaxy S26+.
### SamMobile’s Take
It seems Samsung may adopt a “wait and see” strategy based on Apple’s moves. If there are signs that Apple will launch the iPhone Air 2, Samsung might move ahead with its Galaxy S26 Edge plans. Conversely, if Apple decides not to proceed with the device next year, the Galaxy S26 Edge might never see the light of day either.
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Stay tuned for updates as both tech giants reassess their strategies for ultra-thin flagship smartphones in the coming year.
https://www.sammobile.com/news/apple-has-delayed-the-iphone-air-2-why-thats-bad-news-for-the-galaxy-s26-edge/