Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Leaked photos show off the alleged iPhone 17 Air’s small battery. Apple will seemingly enclose the cell in a metal shell for added protection and structural rigidity.
The battery will supposedly feature a relatively modest capacity of 2,900mAh.
iPhone 17 Air’s small battery could follow iPhone 16 Pro’s smart design
Rumors suggest Apple will rejig its iPhone lineup this year, ditching the Plus model in favor of the super-slim Air. Leaks have already shown off the iPhone 17 Air’s insanely thin 5.5mm design. But that thinness may come at a cost, as the phone will reportedly pack a tiny 2,900mAh battery.
Leaker Majinbu has shared alleged photos of the iPhone 17 Air’s L-shaped battery. Like the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple will reportedly encase the battery in steel. This design offers multiple benefits, including improved structural rigidity and heat dissipation.
Photo: Majin Bu
Apple will also supposedly use its “ionic liquid battery adhesive” to hold the battery in place. As seen on the iPhone 16 Pro, the adhesive can loosen by applying a low-voltage electrical current, making battery replacement easier.
Will a 2,900mAh battery be enough?
Modern smartphones typically feature a 3,500mAh or larger battery, with some Android flagships packing cells as big as 6,000mAh to ensure all-day battery life. In comparison, the iPhone 17 Air’s rumored 2,900mAh cell feels tiny and may struggle to last a full workday.
Apple might squeeze out more runtime through software optimizations in iOS 26 and its ultra-efficient C1 modem. Still, the iPhone 17 Air is likely to offer noticeably shorter battery life than other iPhones.
Samsung’s iPhone 17 Air competitor — the Galaxy S25 Edge — has faced widespread criticism for its disappointing battery life. Despite packing a 3,900mAh cell, which is substantially larger than the iPhone 17 Air’s rumored 2,900mAh battery, it still struggles to last a full day.