Ultra-Thin Design of iPhone 17 Air by Apple Potentially Trades Off With Significant Drawback
The Absurdly Thin iPhone 17 "Air": A Battery Nightmare?
It seems that this fall, we're in for a real treat with the arrival of the iPhone 17 "Air." But this slim, super-thin smartphone might not be as sweet as it looks. Rumors abound that this ultra-thin wonder will significantly compromise on the very thing we hold dearest in our devices - battery life.
According to reports, the iPhone 17 Air will have a measly battery life that pales in comparison to the other iPhone 17 models. Apple's internal studies suggest that approximately 60-70% of users may struggle to get through a full day with this little powerhouse out of juice. That's a drastic drop from the 80-90% that other iPhone models typically manage.
Naturally, a slimmer phone requires a smaller battery to fit inside its compact metal chassis. However, Apple could have used more efficient chips to offset this battery shortage. Apparently, however, that's not the route they're taking for the iPhone 17 Air's first-gen model. Instead, they're planning to push a battery case accessory as a solution to extend the device's battery life.
Cynics might find this a classic example of Apple creating a problem just to sell a solution. Idealists, on the other hand, will argue that the tradeoff for thinness is acceptable, and users who prioritize battery life should simply opt for a regular iPhone or Pro model.
In the past, Apple has flirted with this tactic. Take the iPhone 12, for instance, which arrived with the MagSafe Battery Pack. While Apple never outright admitted why they sold the battery case, it's no secret that the iPhone 12, with its power-hungry 5G modems, couldn't make it through a full workday. Apple discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack a few years later. Was it a coincidence that this happened as iPhones got thicker and battery life improved? Or did Apple stop production because they didn't want to upgrade the accessory's Lightning port to USB-C after the EU forced them to adopt the universal port? Only die-hard Redditors will raise conspiracy theories.
The reduced battery life on the iPhone 17 Air won't be the only downside. The slim design also necessitates compromises, such as a single rear camera and a single speaker, which contribute to the overall battery capacity.
In contrast, other iPhone 17 models, particularly the Pro and Pro Max, are expected to offer better battery life. The Pro models typically feature stronger batteries and advanced camera systems, which contribute to superior overall performance.
The good news is that the iPhone 17 series will likely benefit from Apple's custom Wi-Fi 7 chip, which—though not directly impacting battery life—could potentially improve connectivity and efficiency. Additionally, the introduction of the C1 modem, the most power-efficient modem in an iPhone yet, should help optimize battery life across the iPhone 17 series.
With the iPhone 17 Air, it seems we're paying for slimness with our precious battery life. We won't know the exact cost of this ultrathin iPhone and its battery pack companion until the fall. Let's cross our fingers and hope the tariffs Trump has up his sleeve won't drive the price sky-high.
- Gizmodo reports that the iPhone 17 "Air" will have a questionable battery life, with only 60-70% of users potentially able to get through a day on a single charge.
- The slim design of the iPhone 17 "Air" necessitates compromises such as a single rear camera and a single speaker, which contribute to the overall battery capacity.
- Despite the thinness of the iPhone 17 "Air", tech enthusiasts are skeptical about Apple's decision to push a battery case accessory as a solution, citing past instances where Apple seemed to create problems to sell solutions.
- Some may argue that the tradeoff for thinness on the iPhone 17 "Air" is acceptable, but those who prioritize battery life may opt for a regular iPhone or Pro model instead.
- The iPhone 17 series will likely benefit from Apple's custom Wi-Fi 7 chip, which could potentially improve connectivity and efficiency, but may not directly impact battery life.
- With the iPhone 17 "Air", it appears that users will have to pay a price for the ultrathin design in the form of a compromised battery life and possibly an additional expense for a battery pack accessory.
