To accommodate a second camera, the iPhone Air 2 debuted with a custom-designed ultra-thin Face ID.

The iPhone Air is only 5.6 mm thick, which is a prime example of Apple’s excellent engineering design.

However, it is undeniable that the iPhone Air compromised on imaging, battery life, and speaker performance in pursuit of an ultra-thin and lightweight design. The phone features a single 48-megapixel camera and a single speaker, with a battery capacity of only 3149mAh.

Looking ahead to the next generation, the iPhone Air 2 will address its imaging shortcomings by adding an ultra-wide-angle camera. According to leaks, in order to fit two cameras into the ultra-thin body of the iPhone Air 2, Apple is collaborating with its supply chain to develop a custom ultra-thin Face ID component, significantly thinner than the current commercial version.

Reports suggest that the iPhone Air 2 will feature a 48MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera, with the two lenses arranged horizontally. To achieve this design, Apple will have to customize an ultra-thin version of the Face ID component.

Regarding the release date, the iPhone Air 2 will not debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro this year, giving Apple ample time to develop an ultra-thin Face ID system. Despite the lackluster demand for the iPhone Air, Apple has no plans to discontinue the Air model, and the second-generation Air will still be available to consumers.

It’s worth mentioning that if the ultra-thin Face ID component is successfully developed, it will also be used in their own MacBook.