Cupertino, CA – May 6, 2025 — Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 Airexpected to debut in September alongside the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, is generating headlines for an unusual reason: its battery life may not last a full day on a single charge without external help. According to a report by The InformationApple is preparing to reintroduce a Smart Battery Case to address this issue, marking a return of the popular accessory last seen with earlier iPhone models.

Thinnest iPhone Yet — But at a Cost

Touted as Apple’s slimmest iPhone everthe iPhone 17 Air (possibly replacing the iPhone 16 Plus) is expected to feature a 5.5mm ultra-thin profile. While this form factor offers a sleek design, it significantly compromises internal battery capacity.

Internal tests suggest that only 60–70% of users may get through a full day on a single charge — a sharp drop from the 80–90% full-day performance seen in other iPhone models. Apple’s solution? An optional case accessory with an integrated battery packwhich could revive the Smart Battery Case series first launched in 2015.

Smart Battery Case Likely to Return

Apple is expected to unveil a custom Smart Battery Case tailored for the iPhone 17 Air. This accessory, designed to match the slim profile of the device, would extend usage beyond typical daily limitsmaking it essential for power users.

The reintroduction of this accessory aligns with Apple’s strategy of monetizing key hardware add-onswhile offering users a way to offset limitations posed by increasingly thinner designs.

iPhone 17 Air: Expected Specifications and Pricing

Here’s what to expect from the iPhone 17 Air, according to leaks and industry sources:

• Display: 6.6-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate

• Camera: 48MP rear camera, 24MP front-facing camera

• Chipset: Likely powered by A18 or A19 Bionic

• RAM: 8GB

• SIM Support: eSIM-only, which may limit adoption in markets like China where physical SIMs are still mandatory

• Price: Expected starting price of $1,299 (~₹1,09,500)

Regulatory Challenges and Market Strategy

Apple may face regulatory hurdles in Chinaone of its largest markets, due to the absence of a physical SIM slot in the iPhone 17 Air. Current Chinese telecom rules do not officially support eSIM-only deviceswhich could restrict or delay the model’s availability there.

Still, Apple seems determined to push the envelope with design innovations, even if it means bundling essential functionality through accessories.