iPhone 17 How is the 17's battery life so solid?

[jntdroid]

I know battery life is difficult - so many things affecting it on a person to person basis. But I've probably watched 12-15 different battery comparisons now, and I don't fully understand how in so many of those tests (not all) the 17 is actually very close to the 17 Pro, who's battery (e-sim) is 15% larger. And the tests I've watched all used the e-sim version. My own anecdotal experience has been the same, with extremely similar battery draw on both for my day to day usage.

Maybe it's just the slightly less power hungry chip? But the math just doesn't add up for me. There have been a few tests where the 17 Pro does exactly what you would expect, and beats the 17 by 1-2 hours. I've also seen a couple where the 17 barely beats the Air as well. But those have been the minority.

I just wonder if Apple is doing some sort of extra software magic on the 17. The whole battery life discussion is interesting to me because it seems like each year there are big claims of improvements - and there have been. But besides a few rare discrepancies, the general rule is battery life is a little better than last year's... and I wonder how that is, because 10 years ago, our phones still got us through the day, generally speaking. 🤷‍♂️

 

[snipr125]

I know battery life is difficult - so many things affecting it on a person to person basis. But I've probably watched 12-15 different battery comparisons now, and I don't fully understand how in so many of those tests (not all) the 17 is actually very close to the 17 Pro, who's battery (e-sim) is 15% larger. And the tests I've watched all used the e-sim version. My own anecdotal experience has been the same, with extremely similar battery draw on both for my day to day usage.

Maybe it's just the slightly less power hungry chip? But the math just doesn't add up for me. There have been a few tests where the 17 Pro does exactly what you would expect, and beats the 17 by 1-2 hours. I've also seen a couple where the 17 barely beats the Air as well. But those have been the minority.

I just wonder if Apple is doing some sort of extra software magic on the 17. The whole battery life discussion is interesting to me because it seems like each year there are big claims of improvements - and there have been. But besides a few rare discrepancies, the general rule is battery life is a little better than last year's... and I wonder how that is, because 10 years ago, our phones still got us through the day, generally speaking. 🤷‍♂️

Even though the batteries have gotten larger with each iteration, Apple/Google etc makes the software more complex/demanding on the CPU per iteration, so basically battery life stands still even after 10 years. Hopes this makes sense.

 

[jntdroid]

Even though the batteries have gotten larger with each iteration, Apple/Google etc makes the software more complex/demanding on the CPU per iteration, so basically battery life stands still even after 10 years. Hopes this makes sense.

That does make sense, and I guess I knew that deep down, it's just interesting to me that they can so perfectly tweak the software/processor each year to where there are only minor differences. It almost makes the year to year comparisons pointless (like 17p vs 16p for example).

I still wonder about the regular 17, though. Unless the standard A19 is that just much less power hungry than the Pro... seems to be punching above its proverbial battery paygrade pretty consistently.

 

[JPack]

Throttling is probably the answer.

Many of those battery tests are non-stop run down tests. This means the device gets heated up and may throttle. Of course, this depends on the benchmark parameters. In all likelihood, the iPhone 17 throttles more during those tests. We see the same thing with iPhone Air during extended gaming sessions where A19 Pro can perform slower than A19.

 

[parajba]

How would the battery performance of the base 17 compared to let’s say a 14PM? I am trying to decide if I want to upgrade and if I get the same, less or more battery life.

 

[jntdroid]

How would the battery performance of the base 17 compared to let’s say a 14PM? I am trying to decide if I want to upgrade and if I get the same, less or more battery life.

I would think the 17 would outperform it if it’s older with more degradation. Apple rates the 17 as 1 more hour (though their battery ratings are based solely on streaming video). But you’ll also have a more efficient chip and brand new battery. It might be a toss up if your battery health is still solid or you still feel like you’re getting a good amount of time out of it.

 

[parajba]

I would think the 17 would outperform it if it’s older with more degradation. Apple rates the 17 as 1 more hour (though their battery ratings are based solely on streaming video). But you’ll also have a more efficient chip and brand new battery. It might be a toss up if your battery health is still solid or you still feel like you’re getting a good amount of time out of it.

Thanks! My battery health is at 91% after 3 years. I am still very happy with it. So in essence we are saying it’s very similar, probably better right now because of the 9% degradation. So the 17 is really good as I consider the battery of my PM14 excellent still. I never got on with its bulk, and even after 3 years I still don’t like it. With trade in I can get the 17 for £400, not bad I think.

 

[petershaw_]

battery life on my 17 is good but not awesome. it brings me through a whole day. in comparison to my 15pro its really good that battery was just garbage. but its a new battery with 100% so lets see. id like to take in acount that ios26 is a really battery killer dont know when apple will optomize this properly

 

[jntdroid]

battery life on my 17 is good but not awesome. it brings me through a whole day. in comparison to my 15pro its really good that battery was just garbage. but its a new battery with 100% so lets see. id like to take in acount that ios26 is a really battery killer dont know when apple will optomize this properly

Yeah it's been interesting using the 17 for a bit. Some days it's incredible, some days it's more "normal". Which probably points back to what JPack said above - there must be a decent amount of throttling and software tweaking that's happening on a regular basis.

 

[FeliApple]

Battery life depends on some factors:

-the iOS version (if it is updated it will be worse).

-The battery size (larger iPhones have better battery life)

-The chipset (increased efficiency improves battery life with the same battery size, but it can’t match battery size differences).

-Only if updated: battery health. Battery life does not worsen if the device isn’t updated even with reduced health.

So, the iPhone 17 isn’t better than the 16 on iOS 18, and every iPhone including the 17 Pro Max is worse than the 16 Plus (iOS 26 is inefficient even on the original device for it. Not even iOS 11 was that poor, which is why I think iOS 26 is the worst iOS version thus far).

The 17 Pro should be somewhat better than the iPhone 17, and I don’t know why it isn’t.

 

[zenmacx]

I know battery life is difficult - so many things affecting it on a person to person basis.

The statement above sums it up with great accuracy.

My iPhone Air fails to last “all day” as Apple and many others claim.

I prefer to use and enjoy my smartphones without having to reduce my usage during the day in order to eke out maximum life.

Being very active, out and about, plugging in to charge the phone isn’t possible.

As a result I end up leaving it home and taking my iPhone 16 Pro Max or another of the current iPhones I own.

If the Air survives perhaps Apple will improve the second generation model.

 

[TLewis]

If the Air survives perhaps Apple will improve the second generation model.

Unless there have been big advances in battery technology, Apple is still hampered by the physical size of the air. There's only so much power you can cram into something like that.

Of course, that assumes there will be a second-generation model.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Unless there have been big advances in battery technology, Apple is still hampered by the physical size of the air. There's only so much power you can cram into something like that.

Of course, that assumes there will be a second-generation model.

Yeah, I was going to say, it’s not like Apple decided to make the air battery last as long as it does. There’s limitations to what battery technology allows today. And there are solutions specifically for the air to extend its battery life significantly. I have two of the Apple MagSafe batteries. They significantly extend the battery of the air.

When I am home, the air is really nice to use. Compared to the 17 pro that I had right before this, I’m not noticing that much of a difference.

 

[TLewis]

When I am home, the air is really nice to use. Compared to the 17 pro that I had right before this, I’m not noticing that much of a difference.

With the battery added to the air, that combo is significantly heavier than even the 17 Pro Max. If the battery pack is used only occasionally, that's fine. However, if the pack is used a lot, it would probably have been better to just have gotten the 17 Pro Max -- it's lighter than the combo and the 17PM's battery should last longer, too.

 

[BigMcGuire]

With the battery added to the air, that combo is significantly heavier than even the 17 Pro Max. If the battery pack is used only occasionally, that's fine. However, if the pack is used a lot, it would probably have been better to just have gotten the 17 Pro Max -- it's lighter than the combo and the 17PM's battery should last longer, too.

You are right - heavier by what - 58 grams ? And the more you use the MagSafe the less cycles you have on your internal battery.

Also agreed - yes - if one uses the MagSafe a lot they probably should have gotten the pro max. But it’s a nice option to have if I want it or need it for a unique situation and still have a super thin phone the rest of the time.

 

[zenmacx]

Unless there have been big advances in battery technology, Apple is still hampered by the physical size of the air. There's only so much power you can cram into something like that.

Of course, that assumes there will be a second-generation model.

There are advanced batteries available.

In typical Apple fashion based on greed, refusing to adopt the best technology and the power and influence to make their customers wait, the current iPhone Air is using old battery technology.

The latest flagship smartphones are adopting silicon-carbon infused batteries, which can increase capacity by 10-15% over traditional lithium-ion cells without increasing size.

For instance, the OnePlus 13 features a 6,000mAh battery, allowing for two days of usage.

 

[BigMcGuire]

There are advanced batteries available.

In typical Apple fashion based on greed, refusing to adopt the best technology and the power and influence to make their customers wait, the current iPhone Air is using old battery technology.

The latest flagship smartphones are adopting silicon-carbon infused batteries, which can increase capacity by 10-15% over traditional lithium-ion cells without increasing size.

For instance, the OnePlus 13 features a 6,000mAh battery, allowing for two days of usage.

Interesting opinion. Silicon carbon batteries have issues. 20-30% more degradation in the first year. Higher heat generation. Etc.

Companies in general have $ as king. Apple isn’t an anomaly. I’m glad they wait for maturity before putting out half baked products.

 

[zenmacx]

Interesting opinion. Silicon carbon batteries have issues. 20-30% more degradation in the first year. Higher heat generation. Etc.

Companies in general have $ as king. Apple isn’t an anomaly. I’m glad they wait for maturity before putting out half baked products.

I concur with the pros and cons, that’s one reason I buy lots of phones for the experience. Ownership provides me with the advantage of not having to rely on outside reports as my only source of information.

Thus far my experience with Silicon carbon battery equipped Android phones has been positive, yet time will tell.

As a very long time Apple customer I do agree that they are ultra conservative and wait years to adopt the latest technology. I respect that.

They’re also master wordsmiths with very clever and convincing arguments for making customers wait. Sometimes that translates into convincing people that the competition releases “half baked products”

My personal experience over the years reveals that’s not necessarily the case. Apple is not as virtuous as they would like us to believe.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I concur with the pros and cons, that’s one reason I buy lots of phones for the experience. Ownership provides me with the advantage of not having to rely on outside reports as my only source of information.

Thus far my experience with Silicon carbon battery equipped Android phones has been positive, yet time will tell.

As a very long time Apple customer I do agree that they are ultra conservative and wait years to adopt the latest technology. I respect that.

They’re also master wordsmiths with very clever and convincing arguments for making customers wait. Sometimes that translates into convincing people that the competition releases “half baked products”

My personal experience over the years reveals that’s not necessarily the case. Apple is not as virtuous as they would like us to believe.

I appreciate the response and explanations. I can respect the opinion as well. Apple knows how to make $$$.

 

[zenmacx]

I appreciate the response and explanations. I can respect the opinion as well. Apple knows how to make $$$.

Thank You

This is an enjoyable forum to participate in. And as an Apple shareholder I’m quite satisfied 😊

 

[TLewis]

You are right - heavier by what - 58 grams ? And the more you use the MagSafe the less cycles you have on your internal battery.

Also agreed - yes - if one uses the MagSafe a lot they probably should have gotten the pro max. But it’s a nice option to have if I want it or need it for a unique situation and still have a super thin phone the rest of the time.

Weight of air: 165g (5.82oz)
Weight of air battery: 125g (approx?, 4.41oz)
Combined weight: 290g (10.23oz)

Weight of 17 Pro Max: 233g (8.22oz)

Yes, that weight difference is as you say, but the air+battery combo is almost 25% heavier than the 17PM. People are already complaining about how heavy the 17PM is, and the combo is almost 25% heavier.

I'd probably be OK with that extra weight, but there are many users who wouldn't be.

 

[Tsepz]

I know battery life is difficult - so many things affecting it on a person to person basis. But I've probably watched 12-15 different battery comparisons now, and I don't fully understand how in so many of those tests (not all) the 17 is actually very close to the 17 Pro, who's battery (e-sim) is 15% larger. And the tests I've watched all used the e-sim version. My own anecdotal experience has been the same, with extremely similar battery draw on both for my day to day usage.

Maybe it's just the slightly less power hungry chip? But the math just doesn't add up for me. There have been a few tests where the 17 Pro does exactly what you would expect, and beats the 17 by 1-2 hours. I've also seen a couple where the 17 barely beats the Air as well. But those have been the minority.

I just wonder if Apple is doing some sort of extra software magic on the 17. The whole battery life discussion is interesting to me because it seems like each year there are big claims of improvements - and there have been. But besides a few rare discrepancies, the general rule is battery life is a little better than last year's... and I wonder how that is, because 10 years ago, our phones still got us through the day, generally speaking. 🤷‍♂️

There could be a number of things going on:
The A19 Pro chip may be geared more toward higher performance and also it having an extra GPU core can make the difference.
Not sure if there is also a difference in CPU and GPU clockspeeds between the two chips.

Regarding phones from 10 years ago, I had a Galaxy Note 4 in 2015, it had a large 16:9 5.7inch screen with 1440P resolution with a 28nm chip and 3220mAh battery. Amazing as it was at the time, running modern apps on it would kill it in no time. Our phones in 2025 do a lot more in the same time frame than they did 10 years ago.
10 years ago the likes of Vine and Instagram were popular with low to medium quality quick 6 second videos. In 2025 TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram etc…are popular with longer videos that in the case of Instagram are much higher quality and often times now in HDR.

Running Waze for longer periods on the 10 year old smartphone could cause it to heat up but a 2025 flagship can run it with a lot more ease and less heat etc…

Batteries are getting bigger but there is also upgrades to overall experience of the software that affects battery life and is relative to the batteries advancing faster.

 

[FeliApple]

There could be a number of things going on:
The A19 Pro chip may be geared more toward higher performance and also it having an extra GPU core can make the difference.
Not sure if there is also a difference in CPU and GPU clockspeeds between the two chips.

Regarding phones from 10 years ago, I had a Galaxy Note 4 in 2015, it had a large 16:9 5.7inch screen with 1440P resolution with a 28nm chip and 3220mAh battery. Amazing as it was at the time, running modern apps on it would kill it in no time. Our phones in 2025 do a lot more in the same time frame than they did 10 years ago.
10 years ago the likes of Vine and Instagram were popular with low to medium quality quick 6 second videos. In 2025 TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram etc…are popular with longer videos that in the case of Instagram are much higher quality and often times now in HDR.

Running Waze for longer periods on the 10 year old smartphone could cause it to heat up but a 2025 flagship can run it with a lot more ease and less heat etc…

Batteries are getting bigger but there is also upgrades to overall experience of the software that affects battery life and is relative to the batteries advancing faster.

People are the missing variable here. Battery life on my 16 Plus on iOS 18 is almost twice as good as that of my iPhone Xʀ on iOS 12.

But I’m a light, efficient user. I transfer the entirety of the Plus’ increased battery size and chipset efficiency to SOT.

This improvement is there, but people chew through it with the intensity of their usage pattern.

TikTok? Instagram? With full blast speakers? Massive battery killers. If efficiency is very poor, not even battery size is as relevant.

I recall a pathetically heavy test on YouTube on the iPhone 12 Pro Max when it was new. 5h 55 min. They’d get maybe 5 hours on the regular iPhone 12, barely a difference. Because ridiculously heavy usage tends to blur devices together.

My twice-as-good improvement with the 16 Plus turns into maybe 10-20% better if I push both with full brightness and heavy use, because the 16 Plus’ screen is brighter and larger and uses more power, its speakers are more powerful and at max volume use far more power, etc.

People don’t understand that. They will kill anything and everything with full brightness cellular social media use. A 16 Plus with a 4,674 mAh running iOS 18 will be barely better than an iPhone Xʀ with 2,942 mAh running iOS 12, because they’re eating through that improvement with ridiculously heavy usage (and through iOS 18’s increased load).

It’s not that battery life hasn’t improved. It’s that you are chewing through that improvement.

Either reduce your usage of those apps, or increase efficiency while doing it (reduce brightness, use on Wi-Fi, optimise settings, etc). Or don’t, but accept that regardless of what you buy, battery life will be garbage.

 

[Tsepz]

People are the missing variable here. Battery life on my 16 Plus on iOS 18 is almost twice as good as that of my iPhone Xʀ on iOS 12.

But I’m a light, efficient user. I transfer the entirety of the Plus’ increased battery size and chipset efficiency to SOT.

This improvement is there, but people chew through it with the intensity of their usage pattern.

TikTok? Instagram? With full blast speakers? Massive battery killers. If efficiency is very poor, not even battery size is as relevant.

I recall a pathetically heavy test on YouTube on the iPhone 12 Pro Max when it was new. 5h 55 min. They’d get maybe 5 hours on the regular iPhone 12, barely a difference. Because ridiculously heavy usage tends to blur devices together.

My twice-as-good improvement with the 16 Plus turns into maybe 10-20% better if I push both with full brightness and heavy use, because the 16 Plus’ screen is brighter and larger and uses more power, its speakers are more powerful and at max volume use far more power, etc.

People don’t understand that. They will kill anything and everything with full brightness cellular social media use. A 16 Plus with a 4,674 mAh running iOS 18 will be barely better than an iPhone Xʀ with 2,942 mAh running iOS 12, because they’re eating through that improvement with ridiculously heavy usage (and through iOS 18’s increased load).

It’s not that battery life hasn’t improved. It’s that you are chewing through that improvement.

Either reduce your usage of those apps, or increase efficiency while doing it (reduce brightness, use on Wi-Fi, optimise settings, etc). Or don’t, but accept that regardless of what you buy, battery life will be garbage.

Well said, this is a major factor.
Human behaviour in general has changed towards smartphones and we are not fully realising it.

10 years ago for example I used to print my boarding pass before boarding a flight, but in 2019 I began solely relying on Apple Wallet for boarding passes, I have never looked back.
10 years ago I carried my wallet in my pocket when I got to the mall, shops, club etc… I now typically leave my wallet at home or in my car with my cards and simply carry my phone as I use Tap-to-Pay (ApplePay is available everywhere here in South Africa).

There is so much that has changed, smartphones in 2015 were already unbelievably powerful but the quality of life changes that this last decade has brought has completely changed how we rely on them, we lean a lot harder on them as we continue to let go of a lot of “traditional” things we used to use and carry around.