Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max battery is shaping up to be one of the biggest upgrades in years, based on new leaks from China. According to a trusted tipster, Apple is preparing a noticeable jump in battery capacity, paired with improved efficiency from its next-generation chipset.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Battery Capacity Leak
In a post on Weibo, well-known leaker Digital Chat Station claims that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a 5,000mAh battery or larger for the China-specific model. Meanwhile, international variants are expected to ship with an even bigger battery, reportedly in the 5,100mAh to 5,200mAh range.
If accurate, this would mark Apple’s largest battery ever in an iPhone.
The leaker adds that real-world endurance will improve further thanks to Apple’s upcoming 2nm A20 Pro chipset, which is expected to deliver better power efficiency alongside performance gains.
Why Battery Sizes May Differ by Region
The reported difference in battery capacity comes down to hardware design. China-bound iPhone models still require a physical SIM tray, while most global versions now rely entirely on eSIM. Removing the SIM tray frees up internal space, allowing Apple to fit a slightly larger battery.
For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max with a physical SIM reportedly packs a 4,832mAh battery, while the eSIM-only version carries a 5,088mAh cell. The same design trade-off appears to continue with the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Efficiency Boost from the A20 Pro Chip
Beyond raw capacity, Apple’s move to a 2nm manufacturing process for the A20 Pro could be the real battery-life game changer. Smaller transistors typically mean lower power draw, improved thermal management, and longer screen-on time.
Industry analysts expect the A20 Pro to outperform the A19 not just in speed, but also in sustained efficiency during gaming, video streaming, and AI-powered tasks.
Launch Timing and Lineup Changes
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September, following its usual annual schedule. However, multiple reports suggest Apple may skip the standard iPhone 18 models entirely, focusing instead on Pro-tier devices.
If true, this would be a significant shift in Apple’s launch strategy and could signal a stronger emphasis on premium hardware differentiation.
What This Means for Users
A larger battery combined with a more efficient chip could finally address one of the longest-standing iPhone complaints. If Apple delivers meaningful endurance gains, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may set a new benchmark for flagship battery life.
