Apple Reportedly Developing Battery Case for Ultra-Thin iPhone 17 Air

Apple is taking a bold step with its upcoming iPhone 17 Air—making it the thinnest iPhone ever—but that sleek design may come with some practical compromises. According to a new report from The Information, the company is already preparing a solution for what could be the device’s biggest drawback: battery life.

Super Thin, But At a Cost

At just 5.5 millimeters thick, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be Apple’s slimmest phone to date. However, with that reduced thickness comes less room for a battery. Internal testing reportedly shows that only about 60% to 70% of users might make it through a full day on a single charge. For comparison, most iPhones typically get 80% to 90% of users through the day.

Apple's Backup Plan: An Optional Battery Case

To help users who want the ultra-thin design but still need all-day battery life, Apple is reportedly working on an optional phone case with a built-in battery. This accessory would allow users to extend their usage time without bulking up the iPhone itself.

Three people familiar with the matter say the battery case is being developed specifically for the iPhone 17 Air. It won’t be included with the phone, but it would be available as a separate purchase for those who need more power throughout the day.

Other Trade-Offs with the Air Design

Battery life isn’t the only compromise Apple may be making. The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to have:

• Just one speaker, instead of the typical stereo setup

• A single rear camera, which is a step back from the multi-lens systems found on Pro models

• eSIM-only support, which may complicate its availability in markets like China, where regulators haven’t yet approved eSIM-only smartphones

Because of these limitations—and uncertainty about how the device will sell in international markets—Apple’s suppliers are reportedly dedicating just 10% of initial production to the iPhone 17 Air.

A Peek at the Design

Multiple leaks and hands-on videos have surfaced in recent weeks, showing off the jaw-droppingly thin profile of the iPhone 17 Air. If you haven’t seen them yet, these clips give a closer look at what might be Apple’s most radical design move since the iPhone X:

• Hands-On With 'iPhone 17 Air' Dummy Reveals 'Scary Thin' Design [Video]

• New Hands-On iPhone 17 Dummy Video Shows Off Ultra-Thin Air Model, Updated Pro Designs [Video]

Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 lineup this fall, and the iPhone 17 Air is likely to be the model that turns the most heads—even if it needs a little help from an extra battery.