We’ve seen several leaks detailing the purported battery sizes of the four iPhone 16 models, and they all seem to tell the same story. Apple will increase the battery capacity on at least three models: iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. Furthermore, a recent report claimed that Apple will test a new battery technology with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If the experiment is fruitful, the same tech could trickle down to all iPhone 17 models next year.
We’re not done with iPhone 16 battery size leaks, and we’ll likely continue seeing them right until Apple’s iPhone event in September. The latest one comes from Asia, saying the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will feature higher capacities than their predecessors.
Whether accurate or not, I still expect battery life to improve on this year’s Pros. Apple has to tackle the battery life criticism that impacted the smaller Pro in previous years. Battery life is all the more important in the age of AI. Rumors point to iOS 18 processing most AI features on the iPhone rather than in the cloud. The iPhone 16 should offer great battery life while doing that.
The iPhone 16 battery leaks
We’ve looked at several iPhone 16 battery leaks so far this year and have purported capacities for them. According to some leaks, the iPhone 16 Pro might get a 3,355 mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the 3,274 mAh battery in the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will pack a 4,676 mAh battery, jumping from the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 4,422 mAh battery capacity.
The new iPhone 16 leak on X shows the purported iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max batteries, mentioning their capacities. If this information is accurate, the batteries might be larger than expected, at 3,577 mAh and 4,747 mAh.
The same leaker posted additional images on X to indicate they have access to genuine iPhone 16 parts and accessories.
A set of images shows purported cases for the new handsets that feature an opening for the upcoming Capture button.
Another set of images shows dummy units for the four iPhone 16 models, something we have already seen from other sources.
Back to the battery leak, the clip above shows L-shaped batteries for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. However, some rumors claimed that the iPhone 16 Pro Max might no longer feature an L-shaped battery thanks to a redesign of the internal layout.
Leaks also said that the iPhone 16 Pro Max might feature a stainless steel shell, a first for the iPhone. Ming-Chi Kuo said the batteries will feature increased energy density, which could improve battery life. Apple might use stainless steel in future iPhone battery designs.
Why it all makes sense
While these iPhone 16 battery size claims can’t be verified, there is one reason why I think both Pro models will feature larger batteries than their predecessors. Apple is increasing the size of the Pro models.
As you can see in the pictures showing dummy units, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will be slightly taller and wider than the non-Pro models. Apple needs extra internal space to fit a tetraprism zoom camera in the smaller model. As a result, both Pros will feature larger displays, at 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch. The phones might also be slightly thicker than their predecessors.
All that points to more room inside the next-gen Pro iPhones for larger batteries.
That might not be enough for Apple to improve battery life quotes for the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. But remember that Apple will also upgrade the chips.
The new A18 and A18 Pro should be more energy efficient than the iPhone 15 chips. This could help Apple improve overall battery life, even if only slightly. Just look at what Apple did with the M4 chip in the incredibly thin iPad Pro.
I’ll also remind you that the iPhone 16 Plus is reportedly the only new iPhone that will not get a larger battery this year. If that’s accurate, it’s another indication that battery life will be a big priority for Apple this year. Apple probably wants the iPhone 16 Pro Max to feature the best possible battery life. Also, Apple probably wants the iPhone 16 Pro to offer improved battery life compared to its predecessors.
