Update – August 2: Majin Bu has now clarified that the battery shown in the recently shared images is actually for the iPhone 17 Pro, not the iPhone 17 Air as initially stated. According to the updated information, there will be two versions of the battery, corresponding to models with and without a physical SIM card tray.
“Due to a miscommunication with my source, the information I reported yesterday is incorrect,” said Majin Bu.
The original story can be read below:
A new leak reveals iPhone 17 Air’s battery design with a steel casing and 2900mAh capacity. Here’s a closer look at Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone launching next month.
iPhone 17 Air Leak Reveals First Look at Battery with Steel Case
With just weeks to go before Apple’s expected iPhone 17 launch event, leaker Majin Bu has shared the first look at what appears to be the iPhone 17 Air battery, and it confirms some interesting details.
Posted on Bu’s website, the leaked images showcase a steel-cased battery with an estimated 2900mAh capacity. This isn’t a massive jump in battery size, but it’s significant for a phone expected to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever.
Leaker, Instant Digital on Weibo had previously shared the number to be 2800mAh, so we’re still hovering around the 3000mAh territory.
Don’t miss this: iPhone 17 Air Hands-On Video Reveals Ultra-Thin Black Design and Camera Bar
Ultra-Thin Design, Ultra-Limited Battery?
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a sleek new 6.6-inch display and a profile as thin as 5.55mm, shattering all previous records for iPhone slimness. The battery leak supports previous claims that Apple has traded battery life for form factor, using a steel enclosure, much like last year’s iPhone 16 Pro.
Suggested: iPhone 17 Air Could Still Look Ultra-Slim Even in a Case [Video]
That 2900mAh battery is relatively small compared to the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, which means that the iPhone 17 Air will likely have the weakest battery life of the range. Still, Apple is expected to optimize it with iOS 26’s Adaptive Power mode and other software-level battery enhancements. The Phone is also rumored to bring back Apple’s discontinued MagSafe Battery Pack or something similar to keep it going longer without being plugged in.
Trade-Offs Ahead?
While the iPhone 17 Air’s thin, titanium build and elegant design is sure to be its headline feature, users will need to decide if sacrificing battery endurance is worth the style points. For light users or those glued to a MagSafe charger anyway, it might be a non-issue.
Comments