The iPhone 17 Air’s Battery Dilemma
Apple is rumored to be preparing a new challenger in the ultra-thin phone market with the iPhone 17 Air, set to release this fall. However, recent reports suggest that achieving a sleeker design might come at the cost of battery capacity. According to a well-known tipster, the iPhone 17 Air’s battery is expected to be no larger than 3,000mAh, which could pose challenges for users who rely on long battery life.
This figure is slightly higher than an earlier estimate of 2,800mAh from another source, but it still represents a significant drop compared to the iPhone 16’s 3,651mAh battery. The iPhone 16 was able to provide up to 22 hours of use on a single charge during testing. In contrast, Samsung managed to fit a 3,900mAh battery into the Galaxy S25 Edge, just a bit smaller than the 4,000mAh battery found in the standard Galaxy S25 model.
Despite these numbers, it’s important to note that raw specifications don’t always tell the whole story. Apple has a reputation for optimizing its iOS updates to maximize battery life, often outperforming Android phones with larger batteries. A new feature in the upcoming iOS 26 could further enhance this advantage.
iOS 26 and Battery Life Improvements
One of the most exciting developments in iOS 26 is the introduction of an adaptive power mode. This feature uses Apple Intelligence to automatically adjust energy consumption, extending battery life. It can lower screen brightness or restrict background app activity without user intervention. Unlike the existing low power mode, which activates when the battery reaches 20%, the adaptive power mode makes subtle performance adjustments to keep the device running longer.
Additionally, there are rumors that Apple may implement a new silicon carbon battery technology, potentially increasing battery density by as much as 15%. If true, this could significantly improve the iPhone 17 Air’s battery life, making it more competitive with other high-end devices.
Comparing the iPhone 17 Air and Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung made a strong impression with the Galaxy S25 Edge, which combines premium features with a remarkably thin design. However, one of its main compromises is a slightly smaller battery compared to other models in the Galaxy S25 lineup. Despite this, the Galaxy S25 Edge still boasts a 3,900mAh battery, far surpassing the rumored 3,000mAh capacity of the iPhone 17 Air.
In battery tests, the Galaxy S25 Edge lasted 12 hours and 28 minutes on a single charge, which is notably less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 17 hours and 14 minutes. Even the standard Galaxy S25 outperformed the Edge by nearly three hours. While the thin profile may appeal to some, the tradeoff in battery life could be a dealbreaker for others.
Final Thoughts
Whether the iPhone 17 Air will succeed depends largely on how well Apple can demonstrate its ability to deliver a full day of use. For many users, a longer-lasting battery may be more valuable than a thinner phone. As Apple continues to innovate with features like adaptive power mode and potential battery improvements, the iPhone 17 Air could still find its place in the market. However, it will need to convince consumers that its design and performance justify the battery compromise.