Apple(US:AAPL) 3 6 Ke·2025-07-22 07:51Core Viewpoint - The upcoming iPhone 17 Air features a battery capacity of only 2800mAh, which is lower than the iPhone 7 Plus's 2900mAh, raising concerns about its ability to meet daily usage needs in the face of increasing competition from Android devices with significantly larger batteries [1][3][12]. Battery Capacity and Design - The iPhone 17 Air is designed to be extremely thin at 5.5mm, making it Apple's thinnest model to date, but this has resulted in a significantly reduced battery capacity [3][6]. - Competitors like REDMI and Samsung are pushing battery capacities above 6000mAh, with some mid-range models attempting to exceed 8000mAh, highlighting Apple's conservative approach to battery size [3][6]. Strategies to Compensate for Battery Size - To address the reduced battery capacity, Apple is implementing several strategies, including the introduction of "Adaptive Power Mode" in iOS 26, which aims to extend battery life through performance adjustments and limiting background activities [6][9]. - The iPhone 17 Air will utilize the self-developed C1 communication chip to reduce power consumption during network usage [9]. - Apple plans to release a new MagSafe external battery accessory with a capacity of 4000mAh, allowing the iPhone 17 Air to maintain a slim profile even with the added battery [9][20]. User Experience Concerns - Internal testing indicates that only 60-70% of users may achieve all-day battery life with the iPhone 17 Air, a decline from the 80-90% success rate of previous models, which could lead to dissatisfaction among consumers given the device's high price point [11][12]. Technological Challenges - Apple is hesitant to adopt silicon-carbon battery technology, which could significantly increase energy density, due to concerns over the material's expansion during charging and its impact on device longevity [13][16]. - The potential for rapid capacity degradation with silicon-carbon batteries poses a risk to Apple's reputation for durability, as users may face significant battery performance issues within a short timeframe [16][21]. Logistics and Cost Considerations - Apple's battery capacity decisions are influenced by international shipping regulations that classify lithium batteries as hazardous materials, which can increase logistics costs significantly if battery capacities exceed certain thresholds [17][19]. - The current battery capacity of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 18.17Wh, and adopting larger batteries could lead to hundreds of millions in increased shipping costs annually for Apple [20][21]. Future Developments - Apple is reportedly testing silicon-carbon battery solutions for future models, which may allow for higher capacities while maintaining product durability [21].