The arrival of the iPhone 17 Air has generated an intense debate around its possible (little) autonomyApple has been betting on extreme thinness in its devices for some time now, and this time it has gone a step further with a smartphone that is around 5,5 mm thick, becoming the Thinnest iPhone ever introducedThis lightweight and compact design, while attractive, also poses certain compromises for the user, especially regarding battery life.
Various leaks and internal tests from Apple itself indicate that the iPhone 17 Air's autonomy will be marked by its low battery capacity.According to available data, only 60% to 70% of users could make it through the day without having to search for a power outlet, while on previous generations of iPhones these percentages reached 80% to 90%. Therefore, Battery life is emerging as the main drawback of such a slim design..
Apple is preparing a battery case specifically for the iPhone 17 Air.
To counteract this limitation, Apple is reportedly working on a battery case tailored for the iPhone 17 Air.This accessory is reminiscent of the older Smart Battery Cases that accompanied generations like the iPhone 11, and which were discontinued when the iPhone incorporated a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port.
The battery case will not only extend the battery life, but will also offer extra protection. for the device. Furthermore, everything indicates that it will be compatible with both the MagSafe magnetic charging system and the current USB-C, facilitating more convenient and simple charging. This way, the user will be able to simultaneously charge the phone and the case when connected, leaving both ready for use without additional complications.
The main challenge of this accessory is to maintain the balance between thickness and functionalityWhile the case adds bulk, the extreme thinness of the iPhone 17 Air would mean that the resulting device, even with the external battery, would still be quite manageable in hand, avoiding the feeling of excess weight or size that previous generation cases tended to have.
Demand, production and expectations for the new battery case
iPhone 17 Air sales forecasts reflect some caution by Apple itself and its suppliers. Only 10% of the estimated production of the iPhone 17 family would be reserved for the Air model, compared to 40% for the Pro Max or 25% for the Pro and standard models. This suggests that the company expects a limited portion of the public to opt for this ultra-thin design, primarily due to battery life issues.
The possible arrival of the battery case, however, would allow more users to face their daily lives without the interruptions of searching for an outlet. There are no details yet on price, exact capabilities, or the final design of this accessory., but it is expected to be officially announced at the iPhone 17 launch event, likely in September.