iPhone 17 Air could be just 5.5mm thick, replacing the Plus model in the 2025 lineup.
It may ship with only a 4,000mAh battery—external battery case likely to return.
It is expected to feature a single camera, single speaker, and eSIM-only support.
Apple is reportedly working on its thinnest iPhone yet, expected to launch alongside the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models. The purported smartphone is likely to replace the Plus models in the upcoming lineup. While this rumour has been generating a lot of buzz, recent reports suggest that the ultra-slim form factor of the iPhone 17 Air could limit its battery life and other features. This may lead Apple to reintroduce the external battery case to address the issue.
SurveyFor those unfamiliar, Apple has previously offered external battery cases as an official solution to extend iPhone battery life. These Smart Battery Cases, which seamlessly integrated with iOS to show battery status on the lock screen and in the notification center, were last introduced with the iPhone 11 series.
Apple to bring external battery case back for iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air is said to be the thinnest iPhone ever, measuring only 5.5mm thick. While this may sound fascinating, recent rumours suggest that the handset will lack several features, including poor battery life. It is expected to ship with a 4,000mAh battery in order to maintain the sleek, minimalist aesthetic. According to reports, internal testing revealed that only 60 to 70% of users could go a day without charging the thin iPhone.
However, Apple is expected to release an additional battery case for the iPhone 17 Air, allowing it to last for a day on a single charge. When connected to a power source via USB-C or MagSafe, this case is said to charge both the iPhone 17 Air and its own battery.
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Furthermore, the handset is said to make compromises on the camera system, speakers, and other features. It could come with just one sensor, a single speaker, and eSIM-only functionality. The handset may lose its physical SIM card slot.
Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025. It is likely to include four models: the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
