iPhone 17 Air may feature a battery under 3,000 mAh, but Apple’s new Adaptive Power Mode aims to deliver all-day battery life. Here’s what we know so far.

iPhone 17 Air’s Battery May Be Smaller Than Expected

A new leak claims that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air will feature a battery capacity under 3,000 mAh, making it one of the smallest in recent iPhone history. The report, posted by Instant Digital on Weibo, suggests the battery could be around 2,800 mAh.

While that might raise eyebrows, Apple reportedly has a solution: iOS 26’s Adaptive Power Mode, which could help the device deliver full-day battery life despite the lower capacity.

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How Adaptive Power Mode Helps

New in iOS 26, Adaptive Power Mode dynamically manages power based on your usage habits, background processes, and real-time app demands. It’s Apple’s software-based attempt to offset the limited hardware capacity, especially in a device like the iPhone 17 Air.


Why the Battery Is Smaller

According to an earlier report from The Information, the reason behind the smaller battery is simple: thinness. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have a super slim 5.5mm profile, significantly limiting internal space.

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Apple’s internal testing reportedly shows that only 60–70% of users may get full-day usage without recharging, compared to 80–90% on other models.


Battery Case May Make a Comeback

To further compensate, Apple is reportedly developing a battery case for the iPhone 17 Air, the first official case of its kind since the iPhone 11 era. This could be similar to the MagSafe Battery Pack, but redesigned to complement the ultra-thin form factor of the Air model.

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Last Update: July 19, 2025