Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be the thinnest iPhone ever, but there is a catch. Leakers say its battery life might be the shortest in years because of its tiny 2,800mAh battery. This could make the phone hard to use all day without charging.
Why the iPhone 17 Air’s Battery Is So Small
The iPhone 17 Air is said to be just 5.5mm thick and weigh 145 grams (5.1 ounces). That is much thinner and lighter than the current iPhone 16, which is 6.1 ounces. For the phone to be so thin, Apple decreased the size of the battery.
The possible 2,800mAh battery is smaller than the batteries in most iPhones. The iPhone 16 has a battery with 3,561mAh capacity, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s battery is 4,685mAh. Even with the claim of poor battery life, the 2022 iPhone SE still came with a 2,018mAh battery.
How Apple Plans to Fix Battery Life
Apple is trying new technology to make the small battery last longer. Reports say the iPhone 17 Air might use a special “silicon anode” battery. This new tech could store 15% more power than regular batteries.
Apple is implementing AI on iOS 19 to improve how it uses the battery. The AI may close any apps not in use and dim your display when you do not require it to be bright. Yet, some engineers are concerned that this amount of RAM is not enough for those constantly playing games or streaming videos.
The Battery Case Comeback
To help users, Apple might bring back the battery case. This is a phone case with an extra battery inside. It would let you charge your iPhone 17 Air on the go. But adding a case would make the phone thicker, which defeats the purpose of its slim design.
Will the iPhone 17 Air Last All Day?
Tests indicate that the iPhone 17 Air may not last a full day for most individuals. Should you regularly use your phone for sending messages, watching videos, and talking, the battery may run out by afternoon and require charging. Light users who only check messages or take photos might get through the day, but not much more.
Other thin phones, like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, have bigger batteries (3,900mAh) but still only last about 12 hours. This makes people wonder if the iPhone 17 Air’s battery will be good enough.
What This Means for Buyers
The iPhone 17 Air is developed for those who are looking for a sleek and exceptionally light device. But the iPhone 14 Pro requires charging by evening, so you may wish to buy the iPhone 17 or Pro if you need a phone for the entire day.
Dividing Apple’s fans isn’t a difficult feat. People who choose a really slim iPhone are usually willing to carry a charger along with them. Certain people will not be happy with a phone, even if it has a great design, if it loses battery energy fast. The iPhone 17 Air demonstrates that Apple is testing the boundaries of design. Yet, some people may not find it ideal due to its compact battery. After buying, prepare yourself to either charge it more frequently or get a battery case. The main issue right now is choosing between style and having a longer-lasting battery.