Leaked images from China indicate the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a battery capacity of 5,391 mAh for physical SIM models and 5,567 mAh for eSIM-only variants. According to reports via Korean sources, this represents a 9% to 12% capacity increase over the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while the standard iPhone 18 Pro will see a smaller bump of 1% to 2%.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Battery Capacity Leaks
Three leaked images purportedly showing the actual battery for the iPhone 18 Pro Max have surfaced in China. One image explicitly lists a capacity of 5,391 mAh. Because the Chinese market typically requires physical SIM card slots, this figure aligns with earlier rumors regarding the physical SIM variant.
Based on these leaks, the eSIM-only version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to carry a larger 5,567 mAh battery. This follows a series of conflicting reports from early July that initially suggested capacities of 5,425 mAh (eSIM) and 5,235 mAh (physical SIM) before being revised upward.
Pro Tip: When comparing battery specs, remember that mAh (milliampere-hours) measures capacity, but actual battery life depends on the efficiency of the processor and the display’s power draw.
Comparison: iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max
The disparity in battery growth between the two “Pro” models is significant. According to the same source, the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a 4,288 mAh battery for the eSIM version and 4,056 mAh for the physical SIM version.
This creates a stark contrast in generational upgrades. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is seeing a substantial jump of 9% to 12% over its predecessor. In contrast, the iPhone 18 Pro is only seeing a marginal increase of 1% to 2% compared to the iPhone 17 Pro.
| Model | Physical SIM Capacity | eSIM Capacity | Est. Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | 4,056 mAh | 4,288 mAh | 1% – 2% |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 5,391 mAh | 5,567 mAh | 9% – 12% |
The Impact of eSIM on Internal Hardware
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will the iPhone 18 Pro Max have a bigger battery than the 17 Pro Max?
Yes. Leaks suggest a capacity increase of 9% to 12% for the Pro Max model.
Why is there a difference between eSIM and physical SIM battery sizes?
Which iPhone 18 model has the biggest battery?
The eSIM-only iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to lead with 5,567 mAh.
What do you think about the battery gap between the Pro and Pro Max? Does a 1% increase for the smaller Pro model make it a harder sell? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more hardware leaks.
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