As the anticipated launch of Apple’s iPhone 17 Air approaches, new leaks have surfaced, offering a glimpse into the device’s internal components. Renowned leaker Majin Bu has shared images purportedly showcasing the battery of the upcoming ultra-thin smartphone.
The leaked photographs display a battery encased in a steel enclosure, reminiscent of the design employed in the iPhone 16 Pro. This structural choice suggests Apple’s commitment to maintaining durability and structural integrity, even as it pursues a slimmer device profile.
According to Majin Bu, the battery capacity is approximately 2,900mAh. This aligns with previous reports indicating that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a battery capacity under 3,000mAh. For context, the iPhone 16 is equipped with a 3,651mAh battery, highlighting a significant reduction in capacity for the new model.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to introduce a 6.6-inch display, marking a new size addition to Apple’s lineup. Its standout feature is anticipated to be its remarkably thin design, with reports suggesting a thickness of around 5.55mm. This would make it the thinnest iPhone to date, surpassing even the slim profiles of competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8mm in thickness.
However, the pursuit of such a slim form factor has raised concerns about battery life. Internal testing reportedly indicates that only 60-70% of users will be able to use the iPhone 17 Air for a full day without recharging, compared to 80-90% for other iPhone models. To address these concerns, Apple is reportedly planning to reintroduce a battery case as an optional accessory for the iPhone 17 Air. This move harks back to the Smart Battery Case introduced with the iPhone 6s and discontinued after the iPhone 11 series.
In addition to battery considerations, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a single rear camera and rely exclusively on eSIM technology, eliminating the physical SIM card slot. This design choice could pose challenges in markets like China, where regulations may require physical SIMs. Furthermore, the device is expected to have only a single speaker, which may impact audio quality compared to models with dual speakers.
Apple is also reportedly implementing software enhancements to mitigate battery life concerns. iOS 26 is expected to include an Adaptive Power mode, designed to optimize energy consumption and extend battery life. Despite these efforts, the reduced battery capacity remains a point of contention among potential users.
The iPhone 17 Air is set to be unveiled in September, alongside the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models. As the launch date approaches, more details are likely to emerge, providing a clearer picture of what consumers can expect from Apple’s latest innovation.
