iPhone Air 2 is coming next year, here’s why it has more to prove than ever

Apple is set to introduce the second-generation iPhone Air next spring, after taking time to refine the design and incorporate a second camera. While iPhone Air is no longer a flashy, trendy phone, it needs to appeal to a broader audience beyond the enthusiast crowd. The original iPhone Air faltered due to its compromises, high price tag, and limited appeal. To succeed, iPhone Air 2 must address the key shortcomings of its predecessor.

Two major improvements are already confirmed: a second camera and a larger battery capacity. However, there are still other issues to tackle, such as compromised speakers, connectivity, charging, and camera performance. The phone currently features a single mono earpiece speaker with subpar audio. Apple's acoustic display technology, which uses the display glass for sound, could potentially be adapted for iPhone Air 2 to enhance the speaker experience.

Connectivity and charging are also areas of concern. iPhone Air supports USB 2, while the Pro iPhones have USB 3. At the same price point as the Pro models, iPhone Air 2 should offer comparable connectivity and charging speeds. The current support for 20W MagSafe and 25W fast charging falls short compared to the 25W MagSafe and 60W fast charging found on the iPhone 18 Pro.

The camera in iPhone Air is limited by smaller sensors, resulting in poor performance. Features like RAW support, cinematic mode, and macro mode are absent. A larger camera sensor and additional capabilities like macro mode would be welcome additions to iPhone Air 2. Ultimately, iPhone Air 2 must establish a strong position in the lineup. If it aims to be within $100 of the Pro iPhone, it should offer a comparable experience. The phone's thin profile should be a feature, not an excuse for compromise.