With just a day left until Apple’s “Awe dropping” event, a new leak has revealed the alleged iPhone 17 battery capacities, and it looks like most models are set for noticeable gains. The information comes from a Chinese regulatory database and was shared by reliable Apple tipster ShrimpApplePro.
The filings suggest that the iPhone 17 series will see higher capacity batteries across the board, with eSIM-only variants benefitting the most. Removing the physical SIM tray frees up internal space, which Apple now appears to be using for larger batteries. The only real outlier is the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which will come in just above 3,000 mAh but is still slightly higher than earlier rumors had suggested.
Here are the rumored iPhone 17 battery capacities compared to the iPhone 16 lineup:
| Model | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 (with SIM) | iPhone 17 (eSIM only) | YoY Change (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 / 17 | 3,561 mAh | 3,692 mAh | 3,692 mAh | +3.7% |
| iPhone 16 Plus / 17 Air | 4,674 mAh | 3,036 mAh | 3,149 mAh | –33% vs 16 Plus |
| iPhone 16 Pro / 17 Pro | 3,582 mAh | 3,988 mAh | 4,252 mAh | +18.7% |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max / 17 Pro Max | 4,685 mAh | 4,823 mAh | 5,088 mAh | +8.6% |
The standout here is the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which for the first time pushes past the 5,000 mAh mark, a major milestone for Apple. The iPhone 17 Pro also sees a significant jump of nearly 19 percent, which could make it the endurance leader of the family despite being smaller than the Pro Max.
For the iPhone 17 Air, the reduced capacity compared to the iPhone 16 Plus is a trade-off for its slim frame. Reports suggest Apple will rely on its efficient C1 modem and possibly new silicon anode battery technology to help offset the smaller cell.
This change marks an important shift in Apple’s design approach. For years, the removal of the SIM tray in the U.S. was offset with filler material inside the device. Now, Apple is finally using that space to provide measurable improvements in battery life, at least for eSIM-only models. The differences suggest Apple could be accelerating its global move to eSIM this year, though some regions like China may still retain physical SIM slots due to regulatory requirements.
Bigger batteries do not automatically guarantee longer life, since new displays, modems, and camera hardware all increase power demand. But the gains here, especially on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, are significant enough to suggest real improvements for heavy users.
We will know for certain once Apple takes the stage tomorrow and officially reveals the iPhone 17 lineup. If these numbers hold, the iPhone 17 Pro Max crossing 5,000 mAh will be a milestone moment, and the iPhone 17 Pro could emerge as the surprise battery champion of the series.
