Photographs of alleged molds for the upcoming iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 18 have been shared by a Chinese leaker, offering the first look at the designs of the anticipated smartphones.
The leaks, posted by Smart Pikachu, come ahead of the expected spring launch of the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and the second-generation iPhone Air. The images purportedly show the internal casings and chassis of the devices, revealing key design changes for the Air 2 and confirming the unchanged appearance for the standard iPhone 18.
The iPhone Air 2 will reportedly feature a smaller cutout for the front-facing camera and a dual rear camera system. The camera module will be more prominent due to the phone’s even thinner body compared to its predecessor. “The module merges more smoothly with the back, taking up more space, while the lenses protrude more from it,” the leaker said.
In contrast, the iPhone 18 will look nearly identical to last year’s model, retaining its dual-camera housing and larger Dynamic Island. All three new iPhones are expected to be more expensive than their predecessors, a move that “bodes nothing good,” particularly for the iPhone 18e and Air 2 models.
New Battery and Display Features for iPhone 18 and 18e
The standard iPhone 18 series will feature a new design. According to reports, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will share a larger 4,430 mAh battery, a 20% increase over the iPhone 17’s 3,692 mAh capacity.
This larger battery required a radical redesign. Apple reportedly removed the physical SIM card slot, re-engineered the Taptic Engine linear motor, and adjusted the bottom speaker to make space for the increased power. The iPhone 18e will also receive the same 4,430 mAh battery, representing an 11% increase from its predecessor’s 4,005 mAh.
Both models are also expected to get a larger display. The iPhone 18 and 18e will both feature a 6.3-inch OLED panel, dispelling earlier rumors of a smaller 6.12-inch screen for the ‘e’ model. However, they will differ in refresh rates: the iPhone 18 will use an LTPO panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 18e will be limited to 60Hz.
| Model | Battery Capacity | Display Size | Display Refresh Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 | 4,430 mAh | 6.3-inch OLED | 120Hz (LTPO) |
| iPhone 18e | 4,430 mAh | 6.3-inch OLED | 60Hz |
| iPhone 17 | 3,692 mAh | N/A | N/A |
Camera Systems and Internal Hardware
The camera setups for the new iPhones will also differ. The iPhone 18 will maintain a dual-camera configuration with a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor. However, the main sensor will reportedly have a smaller physical size. The more affordable iPhone 18e is expected to have a single 48-megapixel camera on its back.
Internally, both the iPhone 18 and 18e are said to be powered by the Apple A20 chipset, manufactured using a 2nm process by TSMC, which will improve performance and efficiency.
iPhone Air 2: Addressing Past Shortcomings
The first-generation iPhone Air struggled to meet sales expectations, hindered by its high price and limited features. Apple is directly addressing these issues with the Air 2.
“The two most significant improvements are the addition of a second camera and a larger battery capacity,” sources state. These changes are intended to resolve the limitations that prevented the first generation from resonating with a wider audience. Apple hopes the new model will appeal to the general public, not just technology enthusiasts.
The report also suggests other improvements are likely, including better audio quality—possibly by implementing “sound screen” technology to enhance speaker performance—and faster charging speeds. The article also emphasizes that the Air 2’s ultrathin design should be an advantage, not a reason to accept unnecessary compromises in features or performance.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
All three new iPhones—the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2—are expected to be officially unveiled at a joint spring press conference. The event is anticipated to take place in late March or early April 2027.
While specific pricing details remain unknown, all three models will be more expensive than their predecessors. This price increase could affect consumer decisions, especially for the non-Pro models like the iPhone 18e and Air 2, which are positioned as more affordable alternatives.
What to Expect from the iPhone 18 and Air 2?
- What is the main design change for the iPhone Air 2?
- The iPhone Air 2 will be even thinner than its predecessor, leading to a more prominent dual-camera module on the back.
- Will the iPhone 18 have a physical SIM card?
- No, according to leaks, the iPhone 18 will remove the physical SIM card slot to make room for a larger battery.
- When will the new iPhones be released?
- The iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are expected to be announced in March or April 2027.
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