iPhone 17 Air Appears in Leaked Photos Next to iPhone 16 Plus; Have a Look

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 Air this September, launching it alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 series, including the standard, Pro, and Pro Max models. The iPhone 17 Air is positioned as a sleek successor to the iPhone 16 Plus and marks Apple’s latest move into the ultra-slim smartphone segment. Recent images offer a side-by-side comparison of the upcoming model with the iPhone 16 Plus, highlighting noticeable design differences.

Thinner and Lighter: A Major Design Shift

Replacing the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 17 Air brings a radical redesign. Leaked images from tipster Majin Bu show the iPhone 17 Air placed next to the 16 Plus, clearly revealing its significantly slimmer profile. With a rumored thickness of just 5.5mm, it easily undercuts the iPhone 16 Plus, which measures 7.8mm.

This makes the iPhone 17 Air potentially Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. While the design is undeniably impressive, it doesn’t come without trade-offs.

Battery Concerns Loom Large

According to early rumors, the iPhone 17 Air might feature a small 2,800mAh battery. This is notably smaller than many Android competitors and even falls short of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge, which packs a 3,900mAh battery in a similarly slim body.

Despite Apple’s emphasis on design, users are raising concerns about the iPhone 17 Air’s battery life. A battery this small may struggle to last a full day, especially under regular usage.

Apple’s Solution: Smart Battery Management and Accessories

To compensate, Apple is reportedly working on a dedicated battery case for the iPhone 17 Air. This optional accessory could help users get through the day when needed. Additionally, Apple might integrate AI-powered battery-saving features through its new “Apple Intelligence” platform.

The company could allow per-app power controls, optimizing battery usage based on user behavior. While still speculative, this AI-driven feature may help extend battery life despite the phone’s slim form factor.

Still in Development: Apple Intelligence AI

Although Apple Intelligence is not yet finalized, its potential to enhance battery efficiency is generating interest. If implemented well, this feature could help balance out the phone’s small battery. However, it remains uncertain whether Apple will complete development in time for the iPhone 17 Air’s expected launch.

Launch Timeline and Expectations

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be announced in September. As anticipation builds, users are watching closely for more details about its design, pricing, battery performance, and AI features. Whether Apple’s gamble on a slim profile pays off will likely depend on how well it can overcome the battery limitations.

Stay tuned for more leaks and updates as we approach the official launch.