Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup this year, with a new addition reportedly set to turn heads — the iPhone 17 Air. Touted as the thinnest iPhone ever produced, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus in Apple’s portfolio, offering a sleek design but potentially sacrificing battery endurance in the process.
According to a report fromThe Information, internal testing at Apple suggests the ultra-slim device could struggle to match the battery performance of its siblings in the iPhone 17 range. While most iPhones typically see 80 to 90 per cent of users getting through a full day on a single charge, the iPhone 17 Air is reportedly expected to achieve this benchmark for only 60 to 70 per cent of users.
As per the report, the reduced battery life is attributed to the handset’s remarkably thin profile, reportedly measuring just 5.5mm — making it the slimmest iPhone to date. To address concerns around battery longevity, Apple is said to be working on an optional accessory: a redesigned battery case tailored specifically for the iPhone 17 Air.
This move would mark the return of Apple’s Smart Battery Case, a product first introduced in 2015 for the iPhone 6 series but discontinued in later years. The new case is expected to integrate a battery pack within a protective cover, allowing users to extend the phone’s usage time without compromising its slender build.
Beyond its battery challenges, the iPhone 17 Air may face hurdles in international markets. Reports indicate the device will forgo a physical SIM card slot, relying solely on eSIM technology — a decision that could prove problematic in China, where current regulations do not permit eSIM-only devices.
On the hardware front, the iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 48MP rear camera, and a 24MP front camera. Under the hood, it is expected to be powered by either Apple’s A18 or A19 chip and come equipped with 8GB of RAM.
The device is anticipated to launch alongside the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max in September, with a starting price of approximately $1,299 (around £1,030 or ₹1,09,500).
Apple has yet to comment publicly on the leaks or confirm details about the iPhone 17 Air.
