Apple could use higher-density cells for the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s battery. This would allow the company to improve battery life without increasing the battery size. Or it could reduce battery capacity without negatively affecting the phone’s runtime.
Also, for the first time, Apple might use a stainless steel battery case on the upcoming iPhone.
Batteries with higher-density cells overheat quickly
Smartphone manufacturers typically use a higher-capacity battery or more power-efficient components to improve battery life. While they have used higher-density battery cells, this is not a popular approach due to thermal realities. A battery with high-energy-density cells can overheat quickly.
Despite these hurdles, renowned TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature a battery with higher-density energy cells. Additionally, it will use a stainless steel battery case. While not as effective as aluminum at dissipating heat, a steel case will be more robust and provide better battery protection.
Like the M4 iPad Pro, Apple could use a new thermal system to dissipate the extra heat more effectively.
Apparently, the new stainless steel battery case also would make battery replacement easier. This would help Apple comply with a future EU regulation that mandates easy battery replacement. The law could go into effect in 2027, and would apply to all consumer electronic devices.
Sunway will supply Apple with stainless steel battery cases in 2024, according to Kuo’s Thursday post on Medium. The orders purportedly account for less than 5% of Sunway’s revenue for the year. However, the company might enjoy higher profit margins on the iPhone components.
Higher-density battery cells coming to iPhone 16 Pro Max first
Apple plans to make these changes only on the iPhone 16 Pro Max this year. If mass production is successful and reviews about the change are favorable, the company might adopt the new battery design for all 2025 iPhones.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max could use a bigger 6.9-inch display. This should give Apple more room to fit a bigger battery with denser energy cells, leading to a noticeable improvement in battery life.
