iPhone 17 Air issues: Apple admits its next ultra-thin phone won't be for everyone

Apple will present the iPhone 17 Air this year, a model that is as thin as it is striking, but which, according to the company itself, will not be the ideal option for 90% of users .

The caveat is not minor: the ultra-thin design comes with a series of limitations that distance it from the premium experience usually associated with the brand.

The new iPhone 17 Air is aimed at a very specific audience, one that prioritizes aesthetics and design over power, battery life, and photography capabilities. And Apple seems to be clear that this is a minority.

Production of this model, in fact, represents just 10% of the capacity allocated to the iPhone 17 line, according to sources linked to manufacturing in Asia. The bulk of production will be concentrated on the most powerful models : the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro , which will account for 40% and 25% of the resources, respectively. The remainder will be allocated to the standard model .

One of the most criticized aspects of the iPhone 17 Air is its battery . Internal tests cited in a recent report reveal that only between 60% and 70% of users could make it through the day without needing to recharge the device. In other words, between 30% and 40% shouldn't even consider this model if they don't want to run out of battery prematurely .

Apple's response to this limitation was, to say the least, peculiar: it's developing a special case for the Air that would include an additional battery . Three sources with knowledge of the project confirmed the existence of this accessory, designed to compensate for the reduced battery life.

The contradiction is obvious : someone who buys an ultra-thin phone is unlikely to want to bulk it up with a case with a built-in battery.

The limitations don't end there. The iPhone 17 Air, in addition to its limited battery life, is said to offer more modest performance compared to the Pro models, as it would include a standard chip (A19).

It's also expected to feature a single main camera , which could be a drawback for those who value photographic versatility. The model will be equipped with a single camera, with a 48-megapixel sensor, offering 1x and 2x zoom. Therefore, those who choose the iPhone 17 Air would forgo the 5x telephoto lens and the ultra-wide angle .

To develop the iPhone 17 Air, Apple had to redesign some of its internal components, such as the battery and circuitry. According to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman, this change also includes the elimination of the USB-C port.

Apple's intention is for the new generations to not include a physical charging system and for charging to be done wirelessly.

The conclusion is clear: the iPhone 17 Air is designed for a very narrow niche .

For those who end the day with at least 30% battery , don't need extra power to play games or use advanced AI tools, and are happy with a single camera, this could be an option.

For the rest, Apple suggests – implicitly but strongly – looking towards the standard or Pro versions .