Apple is gearing up for the release of its highly anticipated iPhone 17 Air, and new details reveal a significant tradeoff for the device’s thinner design.
According to reports, the iPhone 17 Air will offer a sleeker profile, but at the cost of reduced battery life compared to the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup. To address this, Apple plans to revive a discontinued accessory: the Smart Battery Case.
The thinner design of the iPhone 17 Air means a 20% reduction in battery life compared to other models in the series. Tests suggest that users of the thinner iPhone will need to recharge it more frequently, with 60% to 70% of users able to last a full day without charging.
In contrast, users of the other models in the iPhone 17 line can expect a much higher percentage (80% to 90%) of full-day usage without a recharge.
To help mitigate the issue, Apple is bringing back the Smart Battery Case, a previously discontinued accessory. The case, which will be designed specifically for the iPhone 17 Air, combines a phone case with an integrated battery pack to extend the phone’s battery life.
This move marks a shift from Apple’s recent focus on MagSafe battery packs, which were sold separately and discontinued after Apple transitioned from Lightning to USB-C.
Despite the thinner model’s battery limitations, Apple is reportedly taking a conservative approach to its production, reserving only 10% of iPhone manufacturing capacity for the iPhone 17 Air due to demand uncertainty.
In comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will account for 40% of production, while the iPhone 17 Pro and standard iPhone 17 will take up 25% of the remaining capacity each.
While the iPhone 17 Air’s design prioritizes aesthetics over battery life, the return of the Smart Battery Case offers a practical solution for those willing to sacrifice some extra thickness for the sake of convenience. Fans of the MagSafe battery pack might also be pleased to see a similar accessory make a comeback.
