Apple’s next mid-range iPhone, possibly called the iPhone Air, could see one of its biggest upgrades yet — a dual-camera setup. But while the new hardware might improve photos, early leaks suggest that the design may not please everyone.
Two Cameras for the First Time
According to a new report from Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, the upcoming iPhone 18 Air will come with two 48MP cameras — one main and one ultrawide. This marks a major change from the current iPhone Air, which only has a single rear camera.
The report says, “Apple will follow its usual yearly update plan,” hinting that the iPhone 18 lineup will arrive in 2026 with the familiar thin and light design. However, the new model is expected to bring a significant upgrade in photography.
Users have long complained that the current iPhone Air feels limited with just one camera. Although Apple includes a 2x telephoto mode, it relies on image cropping rather than an actual telephoto lens. And since it lacks an ultrawide sensor, users can’t capture wide landscape shots.
With the upcoming model, Apple may fix those issues. The iPhone 18 Air could feature a 48MP main lens and a 48MP ultrawide lens, giving users more flexibility and better image quality.
Possible Design Change — and a Mixed Reaction
The leak also mentions that Apple could redesign the camera placement. Instead of the usual vertical camera layout seen on the iPhone 17 Air, the new version might have a horizontal setup.
This could make the phone look different from Apple’s recent designs — but not necessarily better. Early reactions online suggest that fans are divided. Some appreciate Apple trying something new, while others feel it might make the phone look less elegant.
The design change also raises another question — will it affect spatial video recording? Apple recently adopted a vertical camera layout on some models to support spatial video, a feature that records 3D-like footage for viewing on the Vision Pro headset. The leak doesn’t confirm if the iPhone 18 Air will support this feature or not.
Display and Build Remain Familiar
The next iPhone Air is expected to retain its slim profile and premium build. Reports suggest a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with Face ID will be part of the package. Apple will likely market the phone as a balance between power, portability, and price — targeting users who want flagship performance without the Pro-level cost.
A Promising Upgrade, But Not Perfect
If the leaks are accurate, the iPhone 18 Air will finally deliver the camera experience users have been asking for. The addition of a second lens could make it a stronger competitor against Android phones in the same price range.
Still, the rumored design shift might divide opinions. Apple fans may get better photos — but perhaps not the sleek look they’ve come to expect.
