This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
The iPhone 17 Air is set to be Apple's thinnest iPhone yet—lighter, slimmer, and technically a true standout within the iPhone 17 lineup. New leaks reveal the focus is on a particularly slim design and a new type of battery. Whether the concept is suitable for everyday use remains to be seen.
The iPhone 17 Air differs significantly from the rest of the upcoming model lineup. With a body just 5.5 mm thick and a weight of approximately 145 grams, it's on par with the iPhone SE 2 or the iPhone 13 mini. To achieve these dimensions, Apple is apparently relying on a new battery technology – pushing the boundaries of capacity and battery life.
Extremely thin battery – 2.49 mm instead of standard size
A leaked image on the Korean blog Naver allegedly shows the iPhone 17 Air's battery in direct comparison with that of the iPhone 17 Pro. The specifications: The Air's battery is 2.49 mm thick—roughly half the thickness of the Pro model. This makes the component significantly thinner than what was previously standard.
The battery capacity is said to be around 2,800 mAh, possibly even slightly lower. These values are reminiscent of older iPhone generations like the iPhone 12 mini. While mAh values can only be directly compared at identical voltages—which is usually the case with iPhones—they still suggest a rather short battery life. There is no information yet on the battery capacity for the iPhone 17 Pro itself. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, on the other hand, is said to have over 5,000 mAh, according to current rumors.
Apple tests internally – with mixed results
A report from The Information describes that Apple is already conducting internal tests with the iPhone 17 Air. It shows that only about 60 to 70 percent of test subjects made it through the day on one battery charge.
- For comparison: For other iPhones, these values are between 80 and 90 percent.
To respond to potential criticism, Apple is reportedly planning to release an official battery case as an accessory. This is intended to improve everyday usage time—a rather unusual step for a particularly slim model.
Silicon anode technology from TDK
Another indication of the technological revolution: Apple supplier TDK is currently preparing further deliveries of new silicon anode batteries. These are expected to offer higher energy density and deliver sufficient power despite their compact size. According to leaks, the iPhone 17 Air could be the first device equipped with this technology. Delivery of the first batches was scheduled for June – just in time for the expected iPhone launch in September. Despite its slim design, the device is said to have a "high-density battery." Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo announced this back in March. Whether this will actually achieve a battery life comparable to current iPhones has not yet been conclusively determined.
More efficient hardware and slimmed down camera
The iPhone 17 Air will forgo an ultra-wide-angle camera. This saves space and could benefit the battery. Additionally, Apple's new proprietary C1 modem will be installed, which is said to be significantly more energy-efficient than previous solutions. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this could make all the difference. Combined with software optimizations and efficient hardware, the iPhone 17 Air should maintain battery life on par with today's iPhones despite its smaller battery.
Market launch and positioning in the model range
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the current "Plus" model in the iPhone 17 series. The official market launch is expected, as usual, in mid-September. This positions the Air model as a light, sleek counterpart to larger and heavier variants like the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
iPhone 17 Air in focus: Innovation with limitations
At 5.5 mm thick, the iPhone 17 Air will be the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever built. The ultra-thin battery, at just 2.49 mm, demonstrates how far Apple is pushing design boundaries – potentially at the expense of battery life. New technologies such as TDK's silicon anode cells and the energy-saving C1 modem are intended to compensate for this disadvantage. Whether this succeeds remains to be seen in everyday use. Apple seems to be aware of the challenge and is planning a battery case as a complement. The iPhone 17 Air sends a clear message: Design is a priority – and this time, Apple is taking greater risks to achieve this. (Image: MajinBuOfficial)
- Apple changes AI course: New team for smart search services
- iPhone 17 leak: New images show all color variants
- iPhone 17 Pro: Rumor about three new camera features
- iPhone 17 Pro: MagSafe design no longer completely round
