The iPhone 17 Air is currently the subject of heated debate – and this is primarily due to new details published by leaker yeux1122. He shared a post on the Naver platform in which concrete technical specifications are revealed for the first time. These include the weight, battery capacity, and thickness of the device. The information is said to be based on a model that has already been confirmed for mass production. This gives the topic more substance and is no longer just speculation.
Leaker yeux1122 is no stranger to the scene. He mostly spreads information from Chinese social media, especially from within Apple's supply chain. His success rate with previous leaks has been solid, which is why many in the tech community sit up and take notice when he publishes new data. In this case, it concerns the iPhone 17 Air – a model that stands out for its ultra-thin design and light weight, but at the same time raises questions about its battery life.
iPhone 17 Air will be extremely thin
According to the new leak, the iPhone 17 Air will be just 5.5 millimeters thick. This would make it the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever built. For comparison, the iPhone 16 is about 7.8 millimeters thick. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously mentioned this information, and now it appears to be confirmed by a physical sample from the supply chain.
145 grams – lightweight with a large display
According to the leak, the weight is around 145 grams. That's surprisingly light for a smartphone with a 6.6-inch display. By comparison, the iPhone SE 2 weighs 148 grams, and the iPhone 13 mini weighs just 141 grams – albeit with significantly smaller screens. The iPhone 17 Air thus has the weight of a compact device without compromising on display size. The name "Air" isn't just marketing here; it gets to the heart of the matter.
2800 mAh battery – and what that means
The outlook for battery capacity is less positive. The iPhone 17 Air is said to come with a 2800 mAh battery. This is the same as the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro from 2020, both of which were also 6.1-inch devices. By today's standards, this is low, especially with a larger display. According to internal tests referenced in the leak, only about 60 to 70 percent of users manage to get a full day of use with the iPhone 17 Air without charging. For current iPhones, this value is typically between 80 and 90 percent. The battery life is therefore well below the average for current models.
Comparison with other iPhones
For a better understanding, it is worth looking at current figures:
- iPhone 16: 3561 mAh
- iPhone 16 Plus: 4674 mAh
- iPhone 17 Air: 2800 mAh
The battery of the iPhone 17 Air is therefore about 20 percent smaller than the regular iPhone 16 and even about 40 percent smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus. This could be significantly noticeable in everyday use – especially for users who are on the go a lot or use the device intensively.
Apple is working on a software solution
Apple appears to be aware of the problem. According to a report , iOS 19 will include a new AI-based battery optimization. This should help make better use of the limited battery capacity. It is also mentioned that a so-called high-density battery could be installed. This would also have 2800 mAh, but thanks to a denser cell structure, it would offer a real usable capacity that is about 15 to 20 percent higher. This would mean that the battery life could once again be closer to that of a standard iPhone. Whether this technology will actually be included in the final device remains to be seen.
iPhone 17 Air: Compromise between design and battery performance
The iPhone 17 Air features an extremely slim and lightweight body – with a large display. The design is undoubtedly impressive and should appeal to many looking for a compact, elegant smartphone. However, the battery life seems to have been compromised. At 2800 mAh, the battery is comparatively small, which could have a negative impact on everyday use. Apple aims to counteract this with iOS 19, but whether this will be enough remains to be seen. If you value a lightweight iPhone and are willing to compromise on battery life, the iPhone 17 Air could be of interest to you. However, those seeking maximum endurance will likely have to look at the standard or Plus models. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: FrontPageTech)
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