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Apple has big plans for iPhone 17 Air, but battery performance is off the list. The latest leaked images from reliable sources highlight the image of this upcoming iPhone model’s battery, and already it’s raising eyebrows. The Cupertino-based company covers the battery in a metal shell to ensure strict protection.
With just 2900 mAh, the new metal-cased battery looks significantly smaller than what users expect from a premium smartphone. While Apple is prioritizing thinness with iPhone 17 Air, this lofty aim may forego real-world battery endurance.
The iPhone 17 Air release date hasn’t yet been officially announced, but rumors and leaks around this model seem never-ending. The upcoming iPhone is slated to be the thinnest smartphone model by Apple ever, with a 5.5 mm design. However, it looks like the thinness will come at a cost.
A reliable leaker, Majinbu, has recently shared some images of the battery on his blog, which show the tech giant has adopted the same metal casing as the iPhone 16 Pro for this upcoming model. The decision is probably to control heat and provide structural support. However, the concern is generated from its 2,900 mAh capacity.
The leaker mentioned, “The battery features a compact and refined design. The capacity reported to me is approximately 2,900 mAh, a choice aimed at achieving a slimmer profile, consistent with Apple’s Air aesthetic.”
For users who rely on all-day battery performance, the capacity doesn’t seem impressive. In comparison, iPhone 16 Plus featured a 4,674 mAh battery, and the base iPhone 16 had around 3,651 mAh capacity. Some Android flagship phones pack up to 6000 mAh batteries. Therefore, the upcoming Air model seems minute in comparison and will probably struggle to handle a full day’s workload.
Also Read: iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Air to Have 12GB of RAM Storage
Apple is expected to emphasize efficiency improvements to compensate for the compromised battery capacity. iPhone 17 Air is reportedly integrating the A19 Bionic chip and the new C1 modem to offer improved power management. Additionally, iOS 26, according to leaks and speculations, will introduce a new Adaptive Power Mode to reduce background activities.
However, users aren’t entirely convinced by it. In comparison to other iPhone 17 models, the Air model users will suffer from a lack of battery capacity. While other models of the same lineup will satisfy almost 80-89% of users with full-day use, when it comes to the iPhone 17 Air, it will come down to 60-70%. Rumors also point to Apple developing a battery case accessory for heavier users, mirroring earlier Smart Battery Case strategies.
If this turns out to be true, iPhone 17 Air will be a bold shift in Apple’s smartphone design, prioritizing an ultra‑slim body over battery longevity. Despite other efficient factors like a sophisticated OS, the nearly 3000 mAh battery remains a substantial compromise.
The excitement around the iPhone 17 Air release date has been going wild with leaks teasing different aspects of this model, including its ultra-thin build, 6.6-inch OLED display, and minimalist single-camera setup. However, the latest battery size leaks cast a shadow of disappointment among enthusiasts, posing questions over the device’s practicality.
Apple fans hope for innovation, but not at the expense of battery life or other necessary features. Still, it looks like to achieve the desired sleekness, the tech giant has sacrificed one of the most vital smartphone features, a reliable battery life. As the release date approaches, the question remains stronger than ever: can a stylish design without enough battery performance meet expectations? The post-release sales stats can only answer it.
Also Read: iPhone 17 Air Could Be Apple's Thinnest and Boldest Move Yet
