The alleged 5.5mm thickness is one of the most anticipated features of the iPhone 17 Air . It’s also one of the most doubted regarding the capacity of other components, such as the battery, an aspect that Apple has significantly improved in recent years at the expense of, precisely, a larger size in its devices. However, the latest information suggests that the Cupertino company is not willing to sacrifice battery life in its quest for ultra-thin design. So, the big question is: How will it do it?
Apple’s two paths to greater battery life for the iPhone 17 Air
To achieve this balance, Apple is reportedly exploring two main avenues. The first strategy focuses on a comprehensive reengineering of internal components. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman noted that Apple engineers have gone back to the drawing board to optimize energy efficiency through a redesigned display, next-generation silicon components, and smarter software management.
This possibility seeks to minimize energy consumption from the base, allowing a relatively smaller battery to offer competitive autonomy.
The second major innovation, which complements component optimization, lies in the implementation of high-density battery cells . This technology, mentioned by both Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, would allow for greater energy storage in a more compact physical format.
- Optimizing energy efficiency.
- High-density battery cells.
Kuo even linked this innovation to the development of the future foldable iPhone, suggesting a unified strategy from Apple to address the challenges of autonomy in devices with innovative designs.
In addition to these two major new features, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to incorporate Apple’s new C1 modem. This integration is significant as it would translate into lower battery consumption when using 5G networks. The C1 modem’s energy efficiency would be added to the improvements in the display and silicon, contributing to a user experience where thickness doesn’t compromise the ability to stay connected for longer.
With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple has taken on a major challenge in one of the most challenging technical aspects of the iPhone. The company in Cupertino is investing in innovative solutions at the component and battery technology level. The combination of optimized energy efficiency thanks to a comprehensive redesign and the adoption of high-density battery cells, along with a more efficient 5G modem, suggests that the iPhone 17 Air could offer a surprising user experience.
We’ve seen many leaks about the iPhone 17 Air, including some videos that give us a detailed look at its design. Now we just have to wait for its unveiling.
The iPhone 17 lineup will be unveiled in mid-September 2025, although another phone may be added to the list in 2026 with the arrival of a possible iPhone 17e. In any case, everything points to the iPhone 17 Air replacing the iPhone 17 Plus.
