Apple’s latest product, the iPhone 16e, has a lot going for it. But for me personally, it’s not the new model I’m most excited about. This fall’s iPhone 17 Air wins that prize, and one key detail of today’s launch has alleviated my biggest concern about that device: battery life.
Ultra-thin design can be both a strength and weakness
This fall, Apple is expected to launch four new iPhones once again. The lineup will look like this:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
Largely this is what we’ve come to expect—with one exception.
Replacing the ‘Plus’ model is the new iPhone 17 Air.
This brand new device will have a radically ultra-thin design that prioritizes form over function. It’s expected to measure just 5.5mm thick—by far the thinnest iPhone ever made.
For users who typically opt for Pro models, the 17 Air will come with its share of compromises. It will only have one rear camera rather than three, for example, and include the standard A19 chip rather than the A19 Pro.
However, my personal biggest concern about the 17 Air has been battery life.
Battery on Apple’s flagship models, especially the Pro and Pro Max, has gotten especially good lately. It’s finally at the point where I don’t ever need to think about the battery.
But on this point, the iPhone 17 Air’s chief strength—an ultra-thin design—could also prove its greatest weakness.
Or at least, that’s what I thought until today.
Apple’s C1 modem solves my iPhone 17 Air battery anxiety
Apple’s announcement of the iPhone 16e shows that, philosophically at least, it holds a lot in common with iPhone SE models of the past. Meaning, it includes a lot of tech first seen in other iPhones.
One cutting edge innovation, however, is Apple’s new C1 modem.
This Apple-designed 5G modem has been years in the making. Rumors have been widespread about the new modem’s inclusion in the iPhone 16e, but we didn’t yet know what kind of benefits it would provide.
Here’s Apple’s press release (emphasis added):
C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.
C1 truly does seem to provide significant boosts to battery life.
In fact, thanks to C1 the iPhone 16e gets even better battery life than the more expensive iPhone 16. It’s the only significant area the new model bests its sibling.
And according to numerous reports, the C1 modem is coming to just one other iPhone model this year: the iPhone 17 Air.
Putting C1 in the 17 Air is undoubtedly how Apple plans to offset some of the battery losses that will come with its ultra-thin design.
I don’t expect the iPhone 17 Air to match the Pro models in battery performance, but if it can roughly equal the standard iPhone 17, that will be enough for me.
Battery life is such a key feature for iPhone users, and now thanks to the C1 announcement, we know how Apple plans to ensure that its exciting iPhone 17 Air isn’t hampered by lackluster battery.
Are you concerned about the iPhone 17 Air’s battery life? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
