Select Language:
The iPhone Air features a compact battery, which is a notable trade-off. Despite this, both real-world experiences and laboratory tests indicate it can comfortably last through an average day of use.
In a controlled stress test, where the device played videos at maximum brightness for three hours, the battery drained only by 15%, matching the performance of the iPhone 15.
iPhone Air Lab Tests
For the past three years, CNET has been consistently evaluating smartphone battery performance, providing valuable comparative data. Recent tests of the latest models yielded promising results.
“CNET examined the new Apple phones’ battery longevity through various tests: a stressful usage scenario, a video streaming session, and daily usage assessments. Both wired and wireless charging capabilities were evaluated. The data indicates strong battery endurance across the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and even the Air, especially when compared to earlier iPhone generations.”
The video streaming test involved playing content over Wi-Fi for three hours at maximum brightness, a demanding scenario that consumes significantly more power than typical use. All phones started fully charged, and their battery percentage drops were recorded. The iPhone Air performed on par with the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 15 in this test.
In a 45-minute endurance test simulating power-heavy activities such as gaming, video streaming, and video calls, the iPhone Air showed a more significant battery reduction, highlighting the impact of intensive usage.
iPhone Air in Real-World Use
CNET’s senior tech correspondent Abrar Al-Heeti reports that the iPhone Air often ends her day with around 20% battery remaining, even after a full charge in the morning. On days with heavier activity, it drops below 20% by bedtime.
“Over the past few weeks, the iPhone Air has impressively lasted all day during my regular use,” Al-Heeti remarked.
Additionally, charging the phone with a 20W charger boosts the battery to 49% within half an hour, comparable to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro, and outperforming the iPhone 15 Plus.
For more detailed insights, see the complete test lineup here. A recent one-month user report from colleague Ryan Christoffel also provides additional perspective on daily usage of the iPhone Air.
Highlighted Accessories
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
