Apple has approved the development of the iPhone Ultra 2, which is its second-generation foldable iPhone. However, a third iPhone Air hasn’t received the green light yet, according to a well-known Chinese leaker cited by both 9to5Mac and MacRumors on June 25, 2026.
What the Leak Actually Says
This information comes from a Chinese leaker known for accurate Apple supply chain insights. Reports indicate that Apple’s internal product planning has moved the iPhone Ultra 2 into an approved development phase. This means Apple has decided that the product is worth investing engineering resources and supplier commitments.
On the other hand, the iPhone Air 3 hasn’t gotten that internal approval just yet. This doesn’t mean Apple has abandoned the idea. It could simply indicate that the product is still early in the decision-making process. Alternatively, Apple might be analyzing sales data from the iPhone Air 2 before deciding on a successor.
To clarify, when a leaker states that development has been “given the go-ahead,” it indicates internal approval, not that the product is finalized or confirmed for release. Apple often explores and cancels products that never reach consumers.
Some Background on These Products
The iPhone Ultra is Apple’s foldable iPhone, designed to fold in half like a book, akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. As of now, the first-generation model hasn’t launched, making this leak about a second-generation model intriguing. Apple seems to be planning ahead while consumers are still waiting for the original.
The iPhone Air represents Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone line, the slimmest iPhone they’ve ever created. Instead of adding a folding mechanism, Apple is focusing on making the phone as slim as possible. This line appeals to users who want a premium iPhone without the heft of the Pro Max models.
Why Apple Plans Two Generations Ahead
It might seem strange that Apple is approving a sequel before the original hits the shelves. But this is standard practice in the smartphone industry. Developing a phone usually takes two to three years from initial planning to retail launch. Apple likely needs to decide now if the Ultra 2 is worth pursuing so that chip suppliers, hinge manufacturers, and display partners can allocate production capacity.
Consider it like a film studio approving a sequel before the first movie releases. They’re banking on early demand indicators instead of waiting for box office results.
| By The Numbers: iPhone Ultra & Air Lineup | |
|---|---|
| iPhone Ultra 1 Status | Unreleased (expected 2026) |
| iPhone Ultra 2 Status | Development approved (per leaker) |
| iPhone Air 3 Status | Not yet approved (per leaker) |
| Leaker Credibility | Prominent Chinese supply chain source |
| Earliest Possible Ultra 2 Launch | 2027 at earliest (estimated) |
What This Means
For most iPhone users, this news primarily sheds light on Apple’s long-term strategy rather than offering anything actionable right now. A few key points stand out:
Apple is serious about foldables. Approving a second-generation Ultra before the first one ships shows that Apple isn’t treating the foldable iPhone as just an experiment. They’re aiming to build a product line instead of a one-off device.
The Air line may be facing a strategic question mark. The iPhone Air is an interesting product — it’s thin and premium but lacks the camera system found in the Pro models. If Apple hasn’t committed to an Air 3 yet, it may suggest they’re waiting to see if consumers prefer thinness over additional features. Sales figures from the Air 2 will likely influence that decision.
Don’t expect the Ultra 2 anytime soon. Even though development was approved recently, a realistic launch window for the iPhone Ultra 2 is 2027 or 2028. If you’re interested in a foldable iPhone, your best bet is the first-generation model for now.
Community Reactions
“Apple greenlighting Ultra 2 before Ultra 1 is even out is wild. Either they have insane confidence in it or they just plan everything 3 years out. Probably both.”
— u/tech_tangents, Reddit r/apple
“No Air 3 approval is interesting. The Air sold okay but I think Apple realized ‘thin’ isn’t enough of a reason to buy a phone if you lose cameras for it.”
— YouTube comment on MacRumors coverage, user @CupertinoCritic
How Reliable Is This Leak?
Leaks from Chinese supply chain sources have a mixed track record. They tend to be more accurate about hardware specifications and timelines as a product nears launch. This is because more suppliers get involved, making information harder to keep under wraps. A leak about internal Apple approvals two years out is trickier to verify and carries more uncertainty. Treat this as a signal to watch, not a confirmed announcement.
What To Watch
- iPhone Ultra 1 launch (2026): The original foldable iPhone is expected to arrive later this year. Its sales performance will likely impact whether the Air 3 gets approved and how the Ultra 2 develops.
- WWDC or fall event leaks: As Apple’s fall hardware event approaches, we should see more reliable and detailed supply chain information about the Ultra’s production ramp.
- iPhone Air 3 decision: Keep an eye out for any leakers updating the Air 3 status in late 2026 or early 2027. This would indicate Apple has assessed enough data from Air 2 sales to make a commitment.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Samsung’s competing foldable line continues to evolve. Apple’s Ultra 2 timeline might be influenced by how aggressively Samsung progresses its foldables.
Maya Torres
Maya Torres is the Consumer Tech Editor at Explosion.com with 7 years covering product launches for major technology publications. She has reviewed over 300 devices across smartphones, laptops, wearables, and smart home products. Maya specializes in translating spec sheets into real-world buying advice and attends CES, MWC, and Apple keynotes as press. Her reviews focus on helping readers decide what to buy, not just what specs look good on paper.
