Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air is generating buzz with its impressively thin internal battery pack, reportedly measuring just 2.49mm thick—about half the thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro’s battery. This development emerged from a post by the account “yeux1122” on the Korean Naver blog, showcasing a comparative image of both battery models. Notably, it has been claimed that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a battery with a capacity of approximately 2,800 mAh, though some leaks suggest it may fall below the 3,000 mAh mark.
Historically, several iPhone models, including the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, maintained battery capacities at or below 3,000 mAh. For accurate comparisons, it’s essential to consider that milliamp-hour (mAh) ratings can only be directly compared when the batteries operate at the same voltage, with watt-hours (Wh) being a preferred measurement unit.
Further details indicate that the iPhone 17 Air, with its 6.6-inch display, is estimated to weigh around 145 grams, similar to the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone 13 mini. This device is poised to become the thinnest iPhone yet at about 5.5mm.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously mentioned that this new model will utilize a “high-density” battery. Moreover, a recent report hinted that the iPhone 17 Air could be the first Apple smartphone to utilize advanced silicon-anode battery technology, expected to be shipped by supplier TDK soon.
However, there are mixed reports concerning the battery performance of the iPhone 17 Air. Some sources, including The Information’s Wayne Ma, suggest that it may offer poorer battery life compared to its predecessors, estimating that only 60% to 70% of users could expect to use it for a full day without recharging. In contrast, other models boast a higher performance with 80% to 90% of users achieving full-day usage. To counter potential battery concerns, Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce a battery case as an optional accessory for this model.
On a more optimistic note, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has expressed confidence that hardware and software optimizations will ensure that the battery life of the iPhone 17 Air will be comparable to that of current iPhone models. Furthermore, the device may incorporate Apple’s power-efficient C1 modem and omit the Ultra Wide camera, potentially allowing for a larger battery capacity.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to launch around mid-September, aligning with Apple’s traditional fall release schedule. With its sleek design and advanced battery technology, it holds the potential to capture attention in a competitive smartphone market.