iPhone 17 Series Battery Sizes Allegedly Leaked Ahead of Launch
With Apple’s “Awe-Dropping” event just around the corner, leaks and rumors about the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup have been heating up — and one of the more interesting revelations concerns battery capacities. If the latest reports are accurate, there are some notable increases for this generation, especially for the Pro and Pro Max models, along with some trade-offs in certain versions. Here’s a summary of what allegedly leaked, what it might mean, and how those numbers compare to past models and competitors.
What the Leaks Say
The battery size info is coming primarily from a trusted leaker known as ShrimpApplePro, via a Chinese regulatory database, and is being reported widely by MacRumors, PhoneArena, Tom’s Guide, and others. Tom’s Guide+4Tom’s Guide+4MacRumors+4
Here are the purported battery capacities for the new iPhone 17 models:
| Model | Physical SIM version (with SIM tray) | eSIM-only version | Change vs previous comparable model* |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 (base) | ~ 3,692 mAh | — | Up about ~3.7% over iPhone 16 base model MacRumors+1 |
| iPhone 17 Air | ~ 3,036 mAh | ~ 3,149 mAh | Much lower than the iPhone 16 Plus (which the Air is expected to replace) Tom’s Guide+1 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | ~ 3,988 mAh | ~ 4,252 mAh | Significant increase vs iPhone 16 Pro MacRumors+1 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | ~ 4,823 mAh | ~ 5,088 mAh | Largest battery in iPhone history, if true; about ~8.6% up over iPhone 16 Pro Max MacRumors+2Tom’s Guide+2 |
* The “change vs previous model” column compares to the iPhone 16 lineup. For example, iPhone 16 Pro Max had ~ 4,685 mAh; iPhone 16 Pro ~3,582 mAh. Tom’s Guide+2MacRumors+2
Also important: many of the leaks distinguish between versions with a physical SIM tray and eSIM-only versions. The eSIM-only models seem to have slightly higher capacities — presumably because removing the SIM tray frees up internal space that can be repurposed for a larger battery. 9to5Mac+1
What It Suggests / What To Watch Out For
These leaks bring some promise, but also some caveats. Here are a few implications and points to consider.
Pro and Pro Max Shine
- The Pro version gets a substantial bump. If ~4,252 mAh in the eSIM version is accurate, that’s almost 19% more than the previous iPhone 16 Pro’s battery. That could translate to noticeably better real-world battery life, especially under heavier usage (camera, games, 5G etc.). 9to5Mac+1
- The Pro Max reportedly breaking the 5,000 mAh barrier — for the first time in an iPhone — is a big milestone. Even the non-eSIM version (4,823 mAh) is a solid improvement. For users who prioritize battery life, the Pro Max model may be more attractive than ever. MacRumors+1
Trade-offs in the Ultra-Slim / Air Model
- The iPhone 17 Air appears to take the biggest hit. Its battery capacity is reported to be considerably smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus that it replaces. For many users, the thinner design and lighter weight will be a big draw, but battery life may suffer under demanding scenarios (e.g. gaming, extended video streaming, heavy 5G usage). PhoneArena+2Tom’s Guide+2
- However, there are mitigating factors. Leaks also mention the use of Apple’s newer C1 modem in several of the 17 series models, which is purported to be more power efficient. If Apple can optimize well (hardware + software), some of the battery life lost to a smaller cell could be balanced out. Tom’s Guide+1
Physical SIM vs eSIM: A New Battery Variable
- If the leak is accurate, battery capacity could now depend on whether you get the eSIM-only version or a version with a SIM tray. That’s a shift: previously, capacity differences were mostly model-based (size, screen, processor etc.). Now configuration may matter. Some versions could get noticeably more battery than others. 9to5Mac+1
- That raises purchasing decisions: for example, if eSIM is an option in your region, it might be worth choosing that to get slightly more battery. But also, local regulations, physical SIM requirements (for some countries), or personal preference might prevent that. So some users won’t have the option.
Real-World Battery Life Still Uncertain
- mAh (milliamp-hours) is one measure, but it’s not everything. Factors like voltage, power consumption of the display (especially with ProMotion / 120Hz adaptive refresh rates), chip efficiency, how aggressively iOS throttles background tasks, screen brightness, and 5G/4G usage all matter.
- The thinner models (Air) may be more prone to thermal throttling or reduced capacity under load due to less internal space for cooling.
- Apple’s official video playback / streaming time estimates are another indicator, but those are often lower in real life. Rumor reports suggest the Pro Max might see the best battery life gains overall, but whether these translate into day-to-day benefits will depend on usage. Tom’s Guide’s early comparisons point in that direction. Tom’s Guide+1
Comparison to iPhone 16 Lineup & What’s New
To put things in perspective:
- iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 base model: ~ 3,561 mAh Tom’s Guide+1
- iPhone 16 Pro: ~ 3,582 mAh Tom’s Guide+1
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: ~ 4,685 mAh Tom’s Guide+1
- iPhone 16 Plus: ~ 4,674 mAh Tom’s Guide+1
Against those, the iPhone 17 series seems to be making solid gains especially for Pro / Pro Max. The regular iPhone 17 has a smaller increase, but still something. The Air model is the outlier with a reduction (compared to the past Plus-sized model) in terms of cell capacity.
Also, the shift toward more regions seeing eSIM only models means Apple may finally put to use the space saved by dropping the SIM tray (which previously was often replaced by a filler/plastic block). This change seems to unlock small but measurable battery capacity improvements in several of the newer models. 9to5Mac+1
What It Means for Consumers
Depending on which model you’re looking at, these leaks could influence your buying decision. Some takeaways:
- Go Pro Max if battery life is your priority. The Pro Max version seems poised to deliver the best battery life boost. If you often do video, travel, or use power-hungry apps, the Pro Max (especially eSIM version) likely gives the biggest uplift.
- Assess trade-offs if choosing the Air. If you value slimness, light weight, and design, the Air may still be compelling — but you may have to be more careful with usage (lower brightness, less gaming, etc.). Also check if accessories (battery cases, MagSafe battery packs) are viable options.
- eSIM may give you a bonus. If in your region you can get the eSIM-only version, that may offer a noticeable battery advantage. Worth verifying whether your country and carriers support eSIM well.
- Wait for real battery tests. Reviews, benchmarks, and user feedback after release will be essential, because rumored mAh figures alone don’t tell the full story.
Risks & Uncertainties
We should also be cautious. Leaks are not guarantees. Some things that could turn out different:
- The regulatory database entries might refer to prototype or initial test units; final retail versions could slightly differ.
- Battery degradation over time, or how Apple calibrates power consumption, could affect how much of that capacity is usable.
- If the components around the battery (display, modem, wireless, cooling) are more demanding, the gain in capacity might be partially offset.
Bottom Line iPhone 17 Series Battery Sizes
If these leaks hold true, the iPhone 17 series looks well positioned to offer meaningful battery improvements over the iPhone 16 lineup, especially in the Pro and Pro Max models. The move to eSIM-only versions (in certain regions) seems to unlock extra internal space, which Apple is leveraging for larger batteries. On the flip side, the slim “Air” model may make some compromises for form factor, and actual battery life will depend heavily on usage and efficiency improvements.
For many users, these leaks provide good news — Apple appears to be pushing forward not just with raw specs but with practical enhancements. But as always, the real test will come once people have hands-on devices and can run batter tests in real-world conditions.