Apple’s Thinnest IPhone Ever: IPhone 17 Air May Require A Battery Case
Thinner Than Ever, but at What Cost?
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 Air this September, and it might be the company’s most daring design move in years. At just 5.5mm thick, the iPhone 17 Air is poised to become the thinnest iPhone ever. But that impressive slimness comes at a cost: noticeably reduced battery life.
Reports from The Information suggest that only 60 to 70 percent of users will be able to get through a full day on a single charge, compared to the usual 80 to 90 percent for other iPhone models. To address this, Apple is reportedly bringing back its Smart Battery Case, an accessory not seen since the iPhone 11 lineup. This optional case is expected to give the Air enough extra power to comfortably last the day.
The design trade-offs don’t stop at battery capacity. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a single rear camera and a single speaker, and it will drop the physical SIM card slot entirely in favor of eSIM technology. All of these changes contribute to achieving the phone’s ultra-thin profile.
Due to these limitations, Apple appears to be taking a cautious approach to the Air's rollout. Suppliers have reportedly been instructed to limit initial production of the Air to just 10 percent of the iPhone 17 series output. This move suggests Apple is unsure how the market will respond to a device that prioritizes aesthetics over power and versatility.
In many ways, the iPhone 17 Air reflects Apple’s willingness to experiment. While its sleek look will likely attract minimalists and design lovers, the need for a battery case and the pared-down hardware may not resonate with mainstream users. Whether this device becomes a fan favorite or a niche model, one thing is clear: Apple isn’t afraid to take risks when it comes to redefining what an iPhone can be.
