iPhone 17 Air Could Get a Boost From TDK's New Silicon Battery Tech [Report]

Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air, anticipated to be exceptionally thin, could potentially incorporate a new generation of silicon-anode batteries from major supplier TDK Corp., as the component maker accelerates shipments of these cells designed for slimmer, AI-capable smartphones.

TDK CEO Noboru Saito announced that the company will begin shipping its third-iteration silicon-anode batteries by the end of June, earlier than the initially planned September quarter. This advanced schedule, Saito noted, "may give smartphone makers enough time to use these cells in thinner models launching this year."

These lithium-ion batteries replace commonly used graphite anodes with silicon, allowing them to pack about 15% more energy into the same volume or enable thinner device profiles without sacrificing runtime. This advancement is timely, as Apple is expected to launch its remarkably slim iPhone 17 Air later this year, a design that could present battery life challenges due to its reduced internal volume.


Apple and Samsung are TDK's largest customers. While Saito declined to name specific clients for the new batteries, he stated TDK is offering them to all customers who recognize the technology's value. Samsung recently launched its 5.9mm-thin Galaxy S25 Edge, another example of the industry trend toward thinner, AI-focused devices.

TDK's battery subsidiary, Amperex Technology Ltd. (ATL), is a leading producer of smaller silicon batteries for smartphones. Saito also revealed plans to introduce fourth-generation silicon batteries in the next fiscal year. This general direction aligns with Apple's own exploration of advanced battery technologies, with reports indicating work on a pure silicon anode design for a future iPhone.

To meet evolving demands and diversify production, TDK is also establishing a new battery factory in India, which is expected to be operational by September. This move parallels Apple's significant ramp-up of manufacturing in India. Saito mentioned that TDK's production allocation between China and India will be guided by customer requests.

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[via DigiTimes]