As Galaxy S26 Edge is cancelled, Apple could double down on ultra-thin iPhones

In May 2025, Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, which was the industry’s first ultra-thin smartphone with high-end/flagship hardware. Apple followed in Samsung’s footsteps and, in September 2025, launched the iPhone Air, a device similar to the Galaxy S25 Edge.

Sadly, neither the Galaxy S25 Edge nor the iPhone Air is selling well. Looking at it, Samsung decided not to launch a successor to its first ultra-thin flagship phone, which was expected to arrive as the Galaxy S26 Edge. Contrary to that, Apple seems to be doubling down on ultra-thin iPhones.

According to a report from The Information, Apple’s next ultra-thin smartphone, the iPhone Air 2, will feature two cameras at the rear as opposed to only one on the iPhone 17 Air (via GSMArena). At the moment, there’s no information on this camera. However, considering that the main camera can zoom in twice, the second camera could be an ultra-wide unit rather than a telephoto one.

In addition to that, the report says that Apple is planning to launch the iPhone Air 2 at a lower price than the iPhone Air in the US, which is quite shocking for two reasons. First, Apple typically never launches a new version of a product at a lower price. In fact, it launches the refreshed product at a higher price. Second, smartphone prices have been increasing due to the memory shortage.

It seems a little unbelievable that Apple will manage to offer the iPhone Air 2 with better camera hardware (and larger battery) at a lower price than the iPhone Air when smartphone prices are going up. However, if it does manage to achieve the task, the iPhone Air 2 could be a very appealing device. If the iPhone Air 2 turns out to be a success, it would mean that Samsung took the wrong decision cancelling the Galaxy S26 Edge.