iPhone 17 Air May Bring Back Long-Discontinued Accessory Due to Battery Life Concerns
The iPhone 17 Air may revive Apple's battery case due to its ultra-thin design, which could lead to reduced battery life and compromises in features.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series, expected to launch in September, could introduce a sleek new model: the iPhone 17 Air. This ultra-thin variant, also referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim, is expected to be less than 6mm thick, with some reports suggesting it could be closer to 5.5mm. While the design is set to be impressively slim, it may come at the cost of battery life.
Battery Life Challenges for iPhone 17 Air
According to a new report from The Information, the iPhone 17 Air could struggle to last a full day on a single charge, with only 60 to 70 percent of users managing to get through heavy usage without needing a recharge. This is notably lower than the 80 to 90 percent of users who can typically last a day on other iPhone 17 models.
To address this, Apple may revive an accessory that was discontinued years ago: the battery case. The last time Apple released such a product was for the iPhone 6 in 2015. The battery case would integrate additional power, extending the device’s usage for those who need it most. While the iPhone 17 Air may be incredibly slim, the potential for shorter battery life could lead Apple to offer this solution for users who need extra battery support.
Other Potential Compromises in the iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air may also come with additional compromises due to its slim design. One of the most notable changes could be the removal of the physical SIM card slot, which could create issues in markets where eSIM adoption is still in its infancy, like in India. For users who prefer physical SIM cards, this could be a significant drawback.
Further design compromises may include the use of a single speaker instead of the expected stereo speakers. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air may feature a single rear camera, signaling a potential focus on form over function in the name of maintaining its ultra-slim profile.
The Trade-Off Between Design and Functionality
With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple appears to be emphasizing a strikingly thin design, but at the cost of certain features and functionality. While it may appeal to those seeking a more stylish, portable device, users will likely have to adjust to limitations in battery life, SIM card options, and other features that could compromise their overall experience.
