Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPhone 17 Air later this year alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Positioned as the successor to the discontinued Plus model, the iPhone 17 Air will focus on radical slimness, replacing a lineup variant that has been Apple’s weakest seller in recent years.
Leaked information suggests the iPhone 17 Air will feature a sleek, ultra-thin profile, prioritizing design over some hardware features. Notably, the device will house only one rear camera, similar to the iPhone 16e, and will reportedly come with a much smaller battery. Fresh leaks have revealed images claiming to show the phone’s battery, which is expected to have a capacity of around 2,900 mAh.
For perspective, this is significantly smaller than the 3,561 mAh battery in the standard iPhone 16 — currently the smallest in the iPhone lineup. Despite Apple’s strong reputation for efficiency, the reduced battery size may spark discussions about real-world performance and endurance.
Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Air’s battery will be encased in steel, a technology Apple first introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro. This steel casing aims to improve heat dissipation and battery density due to its higher structural resistance. The design also allows seamless integration with the phone’s L-shaped internal layout, perfectly accommodating its compact logic board.
Beyond design innovations, Apple is reportedly introducing new battery adhesives across the entire iPhone 17 series. These adhesives are designed to make battery replacements easier, potentially extending the device’s lifespan and simplifying repairs.
The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be officially unveiled in September 2025, with industry insiders pointing to the week starting September 8 as the likely announcement window. The event will showcase all four models, with the iPhone 17 Air drawing attention as Apple’s thinnest and lightest flagship to date.
With its ultra-slim form factor, premium build, and unique engineering choices, the iPhone 17 Air is set to appeal to users who value style and portability — though its smaller battery capacity could be a point of consideration for heavy smartphone users.