Apple is expected to launch its next generation iPhone series -- iPhone 17 series in September. The company is expected to launch four iPhones in the lineup — iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro,

iPhone 17 Pro Max

and iPhone 17 Air. Now a new leak about the lightest

iPhone 17 Air

has surfaced online. As reported by MacRumors, a new leak reveals that the iPhone 17 Air may come with a more limited battery capacity compared to its counterparts. The leak suggests that iPhone 17 Air might feature a smaller battery than anticipated. The "Air" designation in Apple's product line typically denotes a focus on thinness and lightness. If the rumour is true then it appears that Apple will prioritising the slim design profile over battery capacity.

A report by MacRumors reveals that the iPhone 17 Air may feature a battery rated below 3,000 mAh. Some of the sources suggest that the upcoming lightweight smartphone may house a 2,800 man battery. If this is true, then that’s significantly lower than the 4,674mAh battery found in the iPhone 16 Plus, which the Air is expected to replace.There could be several reasons behind the smaller battery of iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Air is said to be just 5.5mm thick, leaving little room for a larger battery. Also, Apple is reportedly relying on iOS 26’s Adaptive Power Mode to stretch battery life throughout the day. Internal testing suggests only 60–70% of users will get full-day usage without recharging, compared to 80–90% for other models.It is also said that Apple may be developing a dedicated battery case for the iPhone 17 Air. The accessory would offer extended battery life while maintaining the device’s sleek aesthetic.

The rest of the iPhone 17 Air lineup could continue Apple’s recent theme of muted pastels and premium tones. Leaks suggest a lighter version of Lavender is in the works, possibly accompanied by a softer take on the Desert Titanium seen in the iPhone 16 Pro series.Among the four expected colourways, one will reportedly stand out as a throwback to Space Black, introduced with the M3 Mac series — providing contrast to the otherwise airy and light colour palette.

The iPhone 17 Air could feature a 120Hz refresh rate display — a first for Apple’s non-Pro iPhones. However, unlike the ProMotion display tech seen in the Pro lineup, this version may not support variable refresh rate, possibly to preserve battery life. The handset may come powered by A19 chipset and run on the latest iOS 26 operating system.The full iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch this September, and leaks so far suggest Apple is pushing forward both on design innovation and feature parity across its models.