Apple Stores See iPhone 16e, iPad Air Shortages as New Models Near - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Stores See iPhone 16e, iPad Air Shortages as New Models Near

Apple's retail inventory of iPhone 16e and iPad Air models has reportedly dwindled to almost nothing as the company inches towards the release of new versions of both devices. They are expected to launch in the coming weeks.

iPhone 17e Feature 1
In a post on X (Twitter), Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman said that stock of iPhone 16e models has "basically dried out," while the iPad Air is seeing shortages as well, based on what his Apple retail contacts are telling him.

Just this past weekend, Gurman reported that the iPhone 17e is set to launch "imminently" with four new features, including the A19 chip, MagSafe connectivity, Apple's new cellular C1X modem chip, and its N1 chip for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Thread connectivity. The device is expected to retain the same $599 starting price as its predecessor.

Gurman also said Apple is planning to launch a new entry-level iPad 12 and a new iPad Air in the near future. Both devices are not expected to feature design changes or major enhancements, and will instead feature new chips. The 12th-generation ‌iPad‌ is set to feature the A18 chip with Apple Intelligence, while the eighth-generation ‌iPad Air‌ will apparently feature the M4 chip.

We'll have all the details of Apple's product launches as soon as they happen, right here on MacRumors, so stay tuned.

Related Roundups: iPad Air , iPhone 17e
Related Forums: iPad, iPhone

Popular Stories

M6 Pro M6 Max Mockup

Here's Why Apple is Reportedly Skipping M6 Pro and M6 Max Chips

Sunday July 12, 2026 8:12 am PDT by
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will be releasing a regular M6 chip, but it has no plans to offer higher-end M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. In his Power On newsletter today, he said the reason for this break in tradition is AI. "Apple had been planning major neural-processing upgrades for the M7 family and ultimately decided those improvements were important enough to justify...
Apple Pencil USB C sliding cap feature

Two New Apple Pencils Reportedly Launching Next Year

Sunday July 12, 2026 8:45 am PDT by
Two new Apple Pencil models are in development for release alongside next-generation iPad Pro models next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Specifically, he said new versions of the lower-end Apple Pencil with a USB-C port and the higher-end Apple Pencil Pro are in the works. Apple is working to satisfy upcoming EU requirements related to making batteries more replaceable,...
Tap to Pay on iPhone Wix

Apple Stores to Expand Use of 'Tap to Pay on iPhone'

Sunday July 12, 2026 9:11 am PDT by
In 2022, Apple began rolling out Tap to Pay on iPhone, a system that allows small business owners and other merchants to accept contactless payments on an iPhone, with no point-of-sale hardware required. The feature allows customers to pay by simply tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch, credit card or debit card, or other contactless payment option on the merchant's iPhone. Payment is securely...

Top Rated Comments

IceCool Avatar
24 weeks ago
I wonder if they’ll do another week of product launches.

Monday MacBook Air M5, Tuesday iPhone 17e, Wednesday iPad Air, Thursday MacBook Pro… or something like that. Would be kinda cool.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iZac Avatar
24 weeks ago
Oh no, could this mean they’re killing the 16e rather than dropping it down $100 in price?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
24 weeks ago
MacBook Air also has long delivery times in Denmark
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
24 weeks ago
Think all the new products will be launched in early March. Expecting both the MacBook Air and Pro along with 17e and iPad Air. Not expecting to see an event.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Spock Avatar
24 weeks ago

Honestly, we're getting to the point where their tablets are a bit too thin and you can't even put them in backpacks with other objects without them bending.
You aren't wrong but the largest iPad Pro is the thinner than the "Air" and that is kind of weird.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Gengar Avatar
24 weeks ago

I would be surprised if the iPad Air does not get a full redesign to be thinner and lighter.
Honestly, we're getting to the point where their tablets are a bit too thin and you can't even put them in backpacks with other objects without them bending.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors