iPhone 17 battery life has become a hot topic among buyers, especially with reports that US models may have a slight advantage over global versions.
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iPhone 17 Battery Specs – What’s New in 2025
The iPhone 17 lineup including the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air has now been on store shelves for three days. Unveiled during Apple’s September 9 keynote, these models brought plenty of new features. But what Apple didn’t mention on stage might be even more interesting: what’s happening under the hood.
A recent teardown video from Rewa Technology sheds light on Apple’s unexpected design choices this year, confirming that one long-standing component is gone and the space it once occupied has been put to good use.
Goodbye SIM Tray, Hello Bigger Battery
In markets like the United States, Canada, Japan, and Mexico, the physical SIM tray has been completely removed from the iPhone 17 series. Unlike last year’s models, there isn’t even a placeholder or plastic insert. Apple has used the freed-up space to enlarge the batteries.
The results are impressive:
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Now packs a 5,088 mAh battery (up from 4,676 mAh last year)
iPhone 17 Pro: Upgraded to 4,252 mAh
Standard iPhone 17 models: Also see a slight increase in capacity
This means that iPhones sold in regions where SIM trays are still required like France will likely have slightly smaller batteries. The iPhone Air, however, is sold globally without a SIM tray, so its battery size remains consistent worldwide.
This quiet change seems to be Apple’s way of nudging customers toward 100% eSIM adoption. At the same time, it addresses one of the most common complaints about iPhones in recent years: battery life. Removing one small piece of hardware translates into a few extra hours of endurance.
A Friendlier Interior for Repairs
Rewa’s teardown also highlights other internal changes that hint at Apple’s growing focus on repairability. To open the device, technicians used a combination of a suction tool, a small amount of alcohol, and a thin spatula to carefully separate the display. Inside, a large graphene heat-dissipation pad takes center stage, designed to better manage thermal performance during heavy use.
Interestingly, Apple now uses more screws (14 in total) and less adhesive, which should make repairs — especially battery and display replacements much easier compared to previous generations. This is a welcome shift, as Apple has long faced criticism for making iPhones difficult to repair.
On the camera side, the rear module includes larger sensors, and even the front camera has been slightly redesigned. The mainboard has been reoriented horizontally and made more compact, potentially improving durability in case of accidental drops.
However, not everything is perfect. The NAND storage chip now partially overlaps the A19 processor, which could complicate certain repairs. Additionally, some of the new connectors might make disassembly riskier for DIY repair enthusiasts.
A Step Forward in Repairability
Despite these challenges, the iPhone 17 Pro seems to represent a significant step forward in terms of repairability and thermal management. Apple’s changes strike a balance between maximizing internal space, improving performance, and making devices slightly easier to service a move that will likely be welcomed by repair shops and right-to-repair advocates.
As more users get their hands on these devices, feedback will tell whether these under-the-hood improvements really deliver on their promise both for battery life and long-term durability.
