Ahead of Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, new leaks are shedding light on the iPhone 17 lineup’s battery capacities, and they contain some surprising details.
According to information shared by leaker ShrimpApplePro on X, sourced from a Chinese regulatory database, almost every model in the upcoming iPhone 17 range will feature a larger battery compared to the iPhone 16 series.
Rumored Battery Capacities and the iPhone 17 Air’s Distinction
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max would be Apple’s first iPhone to exceed the 5,000mAh mark, a significant milestone for users who prioritize all-day battery life.
- However, the iPhone 17 Air may be an exception. It is rumored to have a much slimmer frame but a lower battery capacity than the iPhone 16 Plus.
- To compensate, reports from TrendForce suggest that Apple will introduce silicon anode battery technology, which binds lithium more efficiently than traditional graphite. This allows thinner batteries to still deliver higher energy density.
This silicon anode design could make the iPhone 17 Air a testbed for Apple’s future foldable iPhone, where ultra-thin batteries will be essential.
The eSIM Advantage and Battery Life Concerns
Interestingly, models with eSIM-only configurations appear to feature slightly larger batteries. Analysts believe Apple is utilizing the space freed up by removing the physical SIM tray to expand capacity, a first for the company.
However, experts caution that a larger capacity doesn’t always guarantee a longer battery life, as new features may demand more power. Internal Apple tests reportedly showed that only 60-70% of iPhone 17 Air users could get through a full day without recharging, compared to 80-90% on other iPhones.
Reports also indicate that Apple might launch a dedicated battery case to address these concerns.
All eyes are now on Apple’s keynote, where the tech giant is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 lineup and clarify whether the leaked battery innovations—particularly the silicon anode breakthrough—will deliver on endurance without sacrificing design.
