Samsung Has Reportedly Killed The S26 Edge, But The iPhone Air 2 Could Still Arrive In 2026

By Shikhar Mehrotra • Updated On 25 Dec 2025

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TL; DR

Amid all the chaos surrounding the ultra-thin flagship, Apple is reportedly pushing through the poor market adoption and preparing to launch the second-generation iPhone Air in September 2026.
While previous reports claimed the iPhone Air 2 has been delayed until March 2027, a new leak from Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station (via Weibo) suggests the handset is on track for a fall 2026 launch

The Korean tech giant Samsung has reportedly pulled the plug on the successor of its ultra-thin flagship, the Galaxy S25 Edge (review). According to a recent report from the Korean market, the company is no longer working on the Galaxy S26 Edge. Instead, it is focusing on the three standard models in the Galaxy S26 lineup.

Also Read: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition Teased with Functional Physical Zoom Ring

The iPhone Air 2 isn’t following a normal upgrade cycle

The report cited low customer adoption as the reason Samsung killed the Galaxy S26 Edge. However, amid all the chaos surrounding the ultra-thin flagship, Apple is reportedly pushing through the poor market adoption and preparing to launch the second-generation iPhone Air in September 2026.

While previous reports claimed the iPhone Air 2 has been delayed until March 2027, a new leak from Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station (via Weibo) suggests the handset is on track for a fall 2026 launch. We’ve also heard that Apple didn’t intend to refresh the iPhone Air (hands-on review) every year, which is why a 2027 launch wouldn’t technically be a delay.

Also Read: OnePlus Turbo Live Images and Specs Leaked Ahead of Launch

Apple’s history with experimental lineups

Does this mean that Apple hasn’t lost faith in the new form factor? Well, the answer is a tad more complicated than it seems. Historically, Apple has tended to explore newer form factors (as seen with the iPhone mini, SE, and “e” lineups) without worrying about mass adoption.

Products like Apple Watch and iPad spent multiple generations finding their identity, and that is precisely what the Vision Pro is currently doing. In that context, ongoing development signals that Apple sees potential but also recognizes unresolved issues, such as battery life, performance, and other real-world problems.

Also Read: OPPO Announces Winners of Photography Awards 2025 in India

The Cupertino giant also has a habit of sticking with a technology only after it perfects it, or adopting it only once it meets its ruthless quality-control standards. To summarize, Apple hasn’t abandoned the iPhone Air entirely, but it hasn’t decided to reserve it a permanent seat at the table either.

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Shikhar Mehrotra

Shikhar Mehrotra is a seasoned technology writer and reviewer with over five years of experience covering consumer tech across India and global markets. At Smartprix, he has authored more than 1,700 articles, including news stories, features, comparisons, and product reviews spanning automobiles, smartphones, chipsets, wearables, laptops, home appliances, and operating systems. Shikhar has reviewed flagship devices such as the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25+, and Sennheiser HD 505 Open-Ear headphones. He also contributes regularly to Smartprix’s growing automotive section.

With a deep understanding of both iOS and Android ecosystems, Shikhar specializes in daily tech news, how-to explainers, product comparisons, and in-depth reviews. His DSLR photography in product reviews is recognized as among the best on the team.

Before joining Smartprix, Shikhar wrote for leading publications including Forbes Advisor India, Republic World, and ScreenRant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow.

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