Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 lineup this September, and battery life is once again one of the hottest topics among fans and analysts. With leaks pointing to bigger batteries and more efficient chips, many users are wondering—is it finally time to upgrade? Or does the iPhone 16 series still hold its ground in 2025?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the battery capacities of each iPhone 17 model, compare them to the iPhone 16 lineup, and help you decide which iPhone is worth your money this year.
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iPhone 17 Battery Capacities (Leaked)
While Apple never officially reveals battery capacity on stage, reliable sources have already leaked the numbers. Here’s what we know so far about the iPhone 17 lineup:
- iPhone 17 Air (Slim) – ~2,800 mAh
- iPhone 17 – ~3,600 mAh
- iPhone 17 Pro – ~3,700 mAh
- iPhone 17 Pro Max – ~5,000 mAh
These figures show modest upgrades for the standard and Pro models, and a major leap for the Pro Max. The Air model, on the other hand, seems to sacrifice battery for a thinner form factor.
iPhone 16 Battery Capacities (Official)
In comparison, the iPhone 16 series offered the following battery capacities:
-
iPhone 16 – 3,561 mAh
-
iPhone 16 Pro – 3,355 mAh
-
iPhone 16 Pro Max – 4,676 mAh
-
iPhone 16 Plus – 4,422 mAh
While not groundbreaking, the iPhone 16 lineup delivered solid all-day battery life thanks to Apple’s A18 chip and iOS 17 optimizations.
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Battery Comparison Table
Let’s put them side by side for a clearer view:
| Model | iPhone 16 Battery | iPhone 17 Battery | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone (Standard) | 3,561 mAh | ~3,600 mAh | +1% |
| Pro | 3,355 mAh | ~3,700 mAh | +10% |
| Pro Max | 4,676 mAh | ~5,000 mAh | +7% |
| Plus / Air | 4,422 mAh (Plus) | ~2,800 mAh (Air) |
-37% ⚠️ |
✅ iPhone 17 Pro Max: A Massive Power Boost
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be the first iPhone ever to feature a 5,000 mAh battery. That’s a significant jump over the 4,676 mAh in the iPhone 16 Pro Max and could lead to up to two days of battery life with normal use.
Combine that with the efficiency of the A19 Pro chip and new iOS 26 power-saving features, and the Pro Max is shaping up to be the battery king of 2025.
iPhone 17 Air: Ultra Thin, Ultra Compromised?
The new iPhone 17 Air (or “Slim”) is rumored to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet—possibly under 6 mm thick. But with that slimness comes a major tradeoff: a 2,800 mAh battery.
That’s over 1,600 mAh smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus, which could be a serious issue for users who rely on their phones all day. Unless Apple pulls off some battery optimization magic, the 17 Air may struggle to last a full day.
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Final Thoughts
In 2025, Apple is finally delivering meaningful battery upgrades—especially with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. With a 5,000 mAh battery, smarter software, and a more efficient chip, the Pro Max will likely become the go-to model for power users.
However, if you’re considering the new iPhone 17 Air, make sure you’re okay with a major battery downgrade. It may look sleek, but its endurance could be a serious drawback.
