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.
For 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.
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.