Exclusive: Leaked iPhone 17 Air Battery Images Reveal Steel Case and 2900mAh Capacity

Leaker Majin Bu shared images of what's allegedly the iPhone 17 Air battery, housed in a steel enclosure with a 2900mAh capacity. The device is expected to have a 6.6-inch display, a new size for Apple's lineup, and a radically thin design, making it the thinnest iPhone ever. However, it may have the worst battery life among iPhone 17 models.

In an exciting development for Apple enthusiasts, leaker Majin Bu has shared images of what is alleged to be the battery component of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air. The battery, housed in a steel enclosure, is reported to have a capacity of approximately 2900mAh [1]. This is in line with previous estimates and suggests that Apple is focusing on delivering a slim, lightweight design for the new model.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, a significant departure from Apple's typical screen sizes. This new size is positioned between the Pro and base models, indicating a mid-tier offering in the iPhone 17 series [2]. The device's main draw is its radically thin design, with reports suggesting it could be as thin as 5.55mm, making it the thinnest iPhone ever [1].

However, the thin design and new display size may come at a cost. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have the worst battery life among the iPhone 17 models. Despite this, Apple has included software enhancements in iOS 26 to assist with battery management, such as an Adaptive Power mode [1]. This should help mitigate some of the battery concerns, but users with heavy usage patterns may still find the battery life to be a limiting factor.

The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to feature a 48MP single rear camera and a 24MP front-facing camera [2]. It will be powered by the A19 chip, which is anticipated to be more powerful than its predecessor. The device is set to launch in early September 2025, along with the rest of the iPhone 17 series [2].

Apple's focus on innovation and design in the iPhone 17 series is evident, with the company introducing new colors, redesigned cameras, and slimmer models [2]. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are expected to feature a dual-finish design with an aluminium frame and a glass back, supporting MagSafe [2]. The base iPhone 17 model is expected to come in five shades, while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models may be available in four finishes, including a new "Desert Titanium" color option [2].

Overall, the iPhone 17 Air is poised to be a significant addition to Apple's lineup, offering a unique blend of design, technology, and performance. However, the trade-off between battery life and thin design will be a key factor for potential buyers to consider.

References:

[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/01/leaker-shares-iphone-17-air-battery-images-with-steel-case/
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/iphone-17-series-apple-likely-to-introduce-new-colours-models-and-more-125080100621_1.html