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Apple’s iPhone 17 Air is visually impressive: sleek, stylish, and polished in its titanium unibody frame. However, it offers little else. It feels like a beautifully packaged hot air balloon or an ephemeral fashion statement that grants bragging rights but lacks practical functionality.
I have three main concerns with Apple’s iPhone 17 Air:
First, it has the lowest battery capacity in its lineup. The smartphone’s battery is only 62% of the Pro Max variant’s energy density and about 11% less than that of the base iPhone 17. To address this, Apple offers a $99 MagSafe battery pack that can be magnetically attached to the phone for wireless charging or traditional USB-C charging.
However, why launch an ultra-slim smartphone only to add a bulky battery pack that spoils its aesthetic appeal? Users are not required to purchase the MagSafe accessory. Nevertheless, in real-world use, the iPhone 17 Air lasts just around 12 hours, which is far from impressive and becomes a significant drawback for power users.
Second, iFixit’s teardown revealed that the MagSafe battery pack consists of a 2.72mm, 12.26 Wh battery — exactly the same as in the iPhone 17 Air but encased in thick plastic. Apple could have designed the battery to fit within the camera bump, like the Samsung S25 Edge, for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Third, some hefty components, including the microphone, are placed inside the camera plateau of the iPhone 17 Air, making the phone top-heavy and causing discomfort when held. This design choice also increases the risk of dropping your expensive device, potentially damaging the screen even with a protective case that ruins the phone’s aesthetics.
In conclusion, if you want to impress friends with a hollow fashion statement, Apple’s iPhone 17 Air might stroke your ego. For everyone else, there are better options than spending money on a battery-hogging smartphone.
