Apple is notorious for its modern, sleek-edged mobile phone designs, optimised to improve people’s lives in every way. It is no surprise, then, that every tech lover has been eager to see and test the functionality of its latest creation, the iPhone 17 Air. This upcoming model has generated buzz for its ultra-thin design and lightweight build.
As always, the Apple product seemed like it would live up to its surmounting potential, until recent leaks suggested that the sleekness of the new model may come at the cost of one of the greatest necessities of a mobile device, battery life.
This has raised concerns among potential users, especially those who rely on their phones for nearly every task. Is a thinner design enough to compromise using the device for shorter periods?
The iPhone 17 Design and Weight
There is no denying that the new features rumoured to accompany the iPhone 17 are nothing short of remarkable. With a suspected 6.6-inch OLED display with ProMotion technology supporting a 120Hz refresh rate, this phone is set to have great image quality, smooth scrolling, reduced eye strain, and impressive responsiveness.
With all these characteristics, you’d assume the iPhone 17 will be bulky to accommodate its several features, but despite its large screen, the device is expected to be remarkably slim, measuring just 5.5mm in thickness and weighing approximately 145 grams.
This makes it one of the lightest iPhones to date, comparable to the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone 13 mini, which weigh 148 grams and 141 grams, respectively. Yet, compared to these two, the iPhone 17 is equipped with features that neither phone could dream of having.
The iPhone 17 Battery Capacity Concerns
With all the benefits, it only makes sense that something had to be sacrificed. In the case of the iPhone 17 Air, it seems it’s the battery capacity that has taken a hit. The slim profile of the phone reportedly limits its battery capacity to 2,800mAh. This is significantly smaller than the 3,900mAh battery found in Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, a device of similar size.
Internal testing suggests that only 60–70% of users might achieve a full day of use on a single charge, which may seem high until you compare these findings to the 80–90% target Apple typically meets with other models.
Potential Solutions: Silicon-Anode Battery Technology
To address battery life concerns, Apple is reportedly exploring several solutions. One approach involves incorporating next-generation silicon-anode battery technology, which allows for a 15% increase in energy density within the same volume.
Additionally, Apple is developing an AI-powered battery management mode in iOS 19 that optimises energy usage based on user behaviour. There are also rumours that Apple may reintroduce its Smart Battery Cases, discontinued since the iPhone 12, to provide users with an optional accessory for extended battery life.
Conclusion
However you choose to look at it, the iPhone 17 is a feat of technological genius. The design showcases Apple’s commitment to innovation, aesthetics, and smooth operations. However, the sacrifice of battery capacity for slimness may not seem like a worthwhile trade-off for many, especially for users who prioritise long battery life.
While Apple’s potential solutions could mitigate these concerns, consumers will need to weigh the importance of design against functionality when considering this new device. If some rule in favour of more battery capacity, older models of the iPhone may stand a better chance in their books.
