Charging Less? iPhone 17 Pro Max May Pack 5,000mAh Cell

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max could introduce the company’s most powerful battery to date, according to new leaks emerging from China. A report from tipster Instant Digital on Weibo suggests that the upcoming flagship may house a 5,000mAh battery, the largest ever seen in an iPhone.

If accurate, this upgrade would push the iPhone 17 Pro Max past its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which carried a 4,676mAh battery. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, in comparison, offered a 4,422mAh unit. The increase points to a potential major enhancement in battery longevity for future users.

Beyond the specifications, the impact of a higher-capacity battery could be significant. Consumers may experience fewer battery warnings and extended use across everyday tasks such as video streaming, gaming, and photography. This jump in battery size may also reduce dependence on daily charging.

The report also hints that Apple’s upcoming A19 Bionic chip, expected to debut in the iPhone 17 lineup, may complement the battery upgrade with improved energy efficiency. Historically, Apple’s focus has remained on optimizing hardware and software integration to achieve better battery performance rather than increasing size alone.

The larger battery is also likely made possible by the Pro Max model’s form factor. With its larger chassis compared to other models in the lineup, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers engineers more space to incorporate a higher-capacity cell. This approach aligns with Apple’s ongoing strategy of reserving certain hardware improvements for its top-tier devices.

While Android devices have crossed the 5,000mAh threshold long ago, Apple’s strategy has centered on delivering consistent, real-world usage benefits through chip and software refinements. However, rising consumer demand and increased competition may be encouraging Apple to respond more aggressively in the hardware department.

As with all early leaks, this report should be treated cautiously until official confirmation from Apple. But if accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could mark a turning point for Apple in addressing one of the few remaining concerns among iPhone users: battery life.