Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce a brand-new variant in its iPhone 17 lineup this September—the iPhone 17 Air, also possibly called iPhone 17 Slim. Expected to launch alongside the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, this new model is shaping up to be the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made. But that slim profile might come with a noticeable trade-off—battery life.
Thinner But Weaker Battery
The iPhone 17 Air is said to feature an ultra-slim 5.5mm profile. While that will make it the most compact iPhone ever in terms of thickness, it also means there’s limited space inside the chassis for a large battery. According to a report from The Information, Apple’s internal testing suggests only 60 to 70 percent of users may be able to get through an entire day on a single charge with this model. That’s significantly lower than the 80 to 90 percent range typically seen with other iPhones.
External Battery Case
To deal with this issue, Apple may bring back a classic accessory—the Smart Battery Case. First introduced in 2015 with the iPhone 6 series, the Smart Battery Case was designed to extend usage without adding much bulk. Apple is now reportedly working on a new version of this case specifically for the iPhone 17 Air. It would function as both a phone case and a battery pack, giving users the option to extend their battery life when needed without sacrificing the device’s thin design by default.
Display and Camera
Despite the battery concerns, the iPhone 17 Air is still expected to offer high-end features. The device could sport a 6.6-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, giving users a smooth visual experience. On the camera front, leaks suggest a 48-megapixel single rear sensor and a 24-megapixel front camera—an upgrade that could appeal to users who love taking selfies or vlogging.
Performance
Apple might equip the iPhone 17 Air with either the A18 or A19 chipset. These are expected to be highly capable processors designed for efficiency and speed, paired with 8GB of RAM. This setup should keep performance snappy whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or editing photos and videos.
No Physical SIM in China?
One issue that may impact the iPhone 17 Air’s adoption in some markets—particularly China—is the absence of a physical SIM card slot. Since China currently doesn’t allow eSIM-only phones, this could restrict the iPhone 17 Air’s availability or limit its appeal in one of Apple’s largest markets.
Here’s a breakdown of the expected specs:
| Feature | iPhone 17 Air (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 5.5mm (Thinnest iPhone Ever) |
| Display | 6.6-inch OLED, 120Hz Refresh Rate |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Single Camera |
| Front Camera | 24MP Selfie Camera |
| Processor | Apple A18 or A19 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Battery Life | Below average (60–70% full-day usage) |
| Accessory | Smart Battery Case (optional) |
| SIM Support | eSIM only |
| Expected Price | $1,299 (Approx. Rs. 1,09,500) |
The iPhone 17 Air could be ideal for those who want a super-slim and lightweight device with premium performance. But if all-day battery life is your priority, you may want to wait for reviews or consider pairing it with the rumored battery case.
FAQs
When will iPhone 17 Air launch?
It is expected to launch in September 2025.
What is the thickness of iPhone 17 Air?
It may measure just 5.5mm, making it the thinnest iPhone.
Does iPhone 17 Air have poor battery life?
Yes, it may not last a full day for all users.
Will iPhone 17 Air support physical SIM cards?
No, it is expected to support only eSIM.
Is Apple bringing back the Smart Battery Case?
Yes, a new version may launch for the iPhone 17 Air.
