iPhone 17 Air Battery May Be Sub-Par, But This Older Alternative Might Work

When the iPhone 17 series is launched in September, Apple is tipped to unveil its thinnest and lightest iPhone yet: the purported iPhone 17 Air. The phone is expected to dazzle everyone with its “airiness” and thin form that measures just 5.6 mm.

However, to create that ultra-thin form, Apple has reportedly had to make a few compromises, none bigger than its battery. The iPhone 17 Air is to house a cell that “does not exceed 3,000mAh”, according to the latest report by tipster Instant Digital.

This would represent a significant reduction in capacity compared to the iPhone 16’s 3,651mAh battery. Even Samsung’s S25 Edge packs a 3,900mAh cell within its slim form, which is only slightly smaller than the 4,000mAh cell in the Galaxy S25.

Users and experts alike have already shared their disappointment with the iPhone 17 Air’s rumoured battery capacity. However, it looks like Apple has a workaround.

Apple is reportedly planning a special battery case for the iPhone 17 Air. According to Wayne Ma of The Information, “Apple is developing an optional accessory — a phone case meant for the thin model that also contains a battery pack”.

Notably, Apple introduced its Smart Battery Case with the iPhone 6s in 2015 and continued through to the iPhone 11. Apple subsequently introduced the MagSafe Battery Pack alongside the iPhone 12 series, which was also phased out in 2023 after the debut of the iPhone 15.

It now appears that for the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is looking to revive the battery pack to compensate for the lower battery capacity. While buying this special battery case would have its own cost, and people would rather upgrade to a Pro model, it has its own advantages as well.

The main one being that in daily usage, one would have a thinner and lighter device in hand. However, in case of travels or special occasions with heavy usage, there is backup: the battery case, if it comes to that.