The much anticipated iPhone 16 Pro Max could benefit from a longer-lasting battery, but there is a catch.
Apple analyst Minc-Chi Kuo has a reputation for well-sourced info from Apple’s supply chain. Now, he has relayed details of battery cells with increased energy density for the new device.
The market analyst at KGI Securities briefed that the iPhone maker could opt to increase capacity in the current battery size or to offer the same battery life in a smaller component to make space for other parts inside the phone.
Kuo also stated that Apple intends to replace the existing aluminum battery case with a stainless steel replacement. This would not only prevent heat from passing, but it would also be “more robust and less susceptible to corrosion.”
If this happens it will also help Apple comply with European Union regulations for smartphone battery replacement into the future. The bloc is insisting on allowing users to be able to change their power packs but how Apple responds to this issue, and to what extent, will be an interesting development.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is thought to have a 6.9-inch screen, up from 6.7 inches, which would give some vital space to work with, especially if the battery is to be reduced.
As for the catch, Kuo outlined that the changes will only apply to the iPhone 16 Pro Max with a rollout to every iPhone next year, as long as there are no issues with testing and production. This means you will need to wait until 2025 unless you can splash out for the headline 16 Pro Max.
There is a precedent for this, as Apple tends to introduce new, improved features in the latest Pro Max device to make it stand out and justify an increased cost before making upgrades available to lesser models.