New certification entries from China reveal the expected battery sizes for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. While the Pro model only sees a minimal increase, the Pro Max appears to be experiencing a noticeable jump – consistent with its energy-efficient 2-nanometer chip.
Shortly before the expected market launch of the new Pro models, more and more details are emerging – most recently on a topic of particular interest to many buyers: battery life. According to new entries in China's C3 certification database, discovered by Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, the battery capacities of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now confirmed. These figures align with the previously known specifications for the iPhone 18 Pro and provide concrete values for both sizes for the first time.
The leaked battery values in detail
According to the filings, the iPhone 18 Pro is listed with a 4,056 mAh battery in China and a 4,288 mAh battery in the US – only a moderate increase compared to the iPhone 17 Pro with 3,988 mAh (China) and 4,252 mAh (US). The jump is significantly larger for the iPhone 18 Pro Max: the documents reportedly list 5,391 mAh (China) and 5,567 mAh (US), compared to 4,823 mAh and 5,088 mAh for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The following overview shows the leaked values in comparison to the two previous generations:
| Model | China | USA |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro | 3,582 mAh | 3,582 mAh |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 3,988 mAh | 4,252 mAh |
| iPhone 18 Pro | 4,056 mAh | 4,288 mAh |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 4,685 mAh | 4,685 mAh |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 4,823 mAh | 5,088 mAh |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 5,391 mAh | 5,567 mAh |
For the iPhone 18 Pro, this would equate to an increase of approximately 68 mAh (China) and 36 mAh (USA). The iPhone 18 Pro Max, on the other hand, would see an increase of up to 568 mAh – a gain of almost 500 mAh compared to its direct predecessor.
Why China and the USA show different values
It's noticeable that each model in China and the US reportedly has a different battery capacity. The reason isn't the technology, but the casing: Outside the US, Apple continues to use a physical SIM card slot, while the US models have relied exclusively on eSIM since the iPhone 14. Without the physical slot, there's a bit more space inside, allowing the US version to accommodate a slightly larger battery.
A bigger leap for the Pro Max
The battery capacity of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is likely to attract particular attention. Digital Chat Station pointed out in a separate post that information from the supply chain had already indicated a 5,000 mAh battery for the Chinese model months ago. Combined with the 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip, which is considered particularly energy-efficient, a 5,391 mAh battery could, according to the leaker, offer noticeably better battery life.
For the Pro Max, this would bring together what ultimately determines battery life: more capacity with more energy-efficient hardware. However, whether this translates into additional hours in practice cannot yet be determined from the raw numbers alone.
What else the certification reveals
The listings list the batteries under model numbers S2232 and S2233 (iPhone 18 Pro) and 2235L/2235 and 2236L/2236 (iPhone 18 Pro Max). They also specify a nominal energy of up to 21.751 Wh, a charging voltage of 4.520 V, and a lifespan for all four batteries until May or June 2031. These values exactly match an earlier report from the same leaker in June, who had already cited identical figures for the iPhone 18 Pro.
One caveat remains: The documents do not explicitly refer to the devices as iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, this classification is considered highly likely, as the specifications and timing fit the overall picture.
What else is expected with the iPhone 18 Pro
Battery specifications are just one component of a device surrounded by numerous other rumors. Among the expected features are a smaller Dynamic Island, a main camera with a variable aperture, and Apple's own C2 modem (for devices outside the US). The official launch is expected in September – alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone. Until then, regulatory databases are likely to reveal further details. (Image: Shutterstock / Wongsakorn 2468)
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