iPhone 17 Air may come with optional battery case due to reduced battery life

The iPhone 17 Air, a rumored model from Apple, is expected to have significantly reduced battery life compared to previous iPhone models. According to a report from The Information, Apple’s internal testing shows that only 60% to 70% of users may be able to use the device throughout the day without recharging, a notable decrease from the 80% to 90% of users able to do so with other models. The shorter battery life is attributed to the iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-thin 5.5mm design, which would make it the slimmest iPhone ever released. To address this issue, Apple is planning to introduce an optional battery case for the device, a feature last seen with the iPhone 11 lineup. The battery case would help extend the device’s life, while also providing protection. The iPhone 17 Air will also feature a single speaker, a single rear camera, and no SIM card slot worldwide. Apple is preparing for the release of this new model in September 2025, although there is uncertainty about its demand due to the unique form factor. The suppliers are dedicating only 10% of the production capacity for this model, indicating cautious optimism for its reception in the market.