Imagine a hotel with two main buildings: the cathode, where lithium ions live when the battery is charged, and the anode, where they move during discharge, releasing energy. Graphite, used in most batteries, is like a hotel with limited rooms – it can only hold a certain number of lithium ions.
Silicon can store many more lithium ions than graphite – up to 4.4 lithium ions per silicon atom. This means silicon can hold almost 10 times more energy than graphite. However, when lithium ions enter silicon, it expands and contracts, causing the material to break down.
TDK, a company that’s been innovating for years, has found a solution. They use silicon on a nano scale and create a compound where carbon acts as a structural shock absorber. This allows for a higher energy density – up to 1,000 Wh/L, a 20-40% increase over current graphite batteries.
The new generation of batteries is designed for ultra-thin devices, making it perfect for the iPhone 17 Air. Even with a smaller battery – 2,800 mAh compared to the iPhone 16’s 3,600 mAh – the new technology could make it just as efficient, or even more so, due to lower power requirements.
The idea of using silicon in batteries isn’t new. Researchers have been exploring it since the early 2000s. Companies like Amprius and Sila have been refining hybrid compounds and manufacturing methods.
If the iPhone 17 Air uses silicon anode batteries, it could be a game-changer. With an improved A18 chip, or even an A19, and an iOS 19 that can adjust power consumption based on user habits, the “Air” name would be justified. It would be a classic Apple move – waiting for technology to mature, integrating it with precision, and launching it as if it was always theirs.
The future of battery technology is exciting, and the iPhone 17 Air could be the start of something new.
How it works
- Graphite has limited rooms for lithium ions – about 372 mAh per gram.
- Silicon can hold up to 3,600 mAh per gram – 10 times more than graphite.
- TDK’s new technology allows for higher energy density – up to 1,000 Wh/L.
What’s next
The iPhone 17 Air could be the first device to use silicon anode batteries. With its improved chip and operating system, it could be a major step forward in battery technology. Apple’s move could push other companies to adopt similar technology, changing the way we think about battery life.