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The iPhone 18 is expected to have a larger battery, and the price could also increase, according to a new report from China. However, the source doesn't specify a figure for either the battery size or the price.
The iPhone 18, along with the iPhone 18e and the iPhone Air 2, is expected to be released in the first half of 2027. This was reported by the Weibo account Digital Chat Station in a post dated November 3rd. This timeframe aligns with the previously known schedule for the spring models.
Two points are at the heart of the discussion: a larger battery and a potential price increase. Digital Chat Station is one of the best-known leakers of information from the Chinese supply chain and drew attention to the entries regarding the batteries of the Pro models in July. No evidence is available for this new report, and it doesn't mention capacity or price. Furthermore, the price is presented as speculation.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The iPhone 18 is expected to get a larger battery, but the article does not specify a capacity.
- The price could rise, but it remains to be seen what price it will be and in which countries.
- The features mentioned include a 6.3-inch display, up to 120 Hz, Dynamic Island, Face ID and two 48 MP cameras, plus the A20 chip with a 2 nm process.
- The iPhone 17 now costs €1,099 in Germany.
The key specifications are already known from the iPhone 17
The article describes a device with a 6.3-inch OLED display, up to 120 Hz refresh rate, Dynamic Island, and Face ID. It also features an A20 chip manufactured using a 2nm process and two 48-megapixel rear cameras. Aside from the chip, these specifications are familiar from the iPhone 17. The article makes no mention of the size of the Dynamic Island, which, according to previous reports, is expected to shrink.
In April, reports circulated about cost savings in the base model, though without specific figures. Digital Chat Station already mentioned the 6.3-inch screen and 120 Hz refresh rate in June; the new article makes no mention of brightness or manufacturing specifications. It also provides no new information regarding the RAM, which has previously been listed as either 9 or 12 GB.
How big "bigger" could be
The iPhone 17 has a 3,692 mAh battery. The article doesn't specify the battery capacity of the iPhone 18. The iPhone 18 Pro models demonstrate the wide range of battery capacities available. The Pro specifications refer to the versions with a SIM card slot.
| Model | Predecessor | New | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | 3,988 mAh | 4,056 mAh | approximately 1.7 percent |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 4,823 mAh | 5,391 mAh | approximately 11.8 percent |
| iPhone 18 | 3,692 mAh | not specified | not specified |
The word "bigger" therefore covers both: a barely noticeable step like with the Pro and a significant one like with the Pro Max.
The point of reference is crucial when it comes to price
For months, a stable starting price for the iPhone 18 was expected. In August, Counterpoint then predicted higher prices for the iPhone 18 series, and in September Apple itself raised the price of the iPhone 17: in the US from $799 to $899, and in Germany from €949 to €1,099.
This makes the statement in the article difficult to grasp. It doesn't specify whether the increase is based on the previous or current price of the iPhone 17, nor does it mention a specific market. An iPhone 18 for $899 would be more expensive than the iPhone 17's launch price, but not more expensive than today's price.
Why waiting can be expensive
I expect the iPhone 18 to start at no less than the iPhone 17's €1,099 price tag in this country. Apple only raised this price in September, and a successor below that level would practically reverse that step.
Those waiting for the iPhone 18 are primarily waiting for the A20 chip, not for a more affordable entry-level model. If you need a standard model now, the iPhone buying guide can help you choose. According to another leak, production is expected to begin at the end of November.
Would a slightly larger battery be a reason for you to wait until spring, or would you rather go for the iPhone 17 now? Tell us in the comments up to what price the iPhone 18 would still be an option for you.
