Apple has previously been reported to use a bigger battery on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, resulting in increased endurance from the upcoming flagship. Looking at a previous size comparison between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and its successor in dummy form, the company will have ample room to incorporate a bigger cell. However, that may not be the only change arriving to this model, as one analyst has predicted that Apple also intends to increase the energy density of these cells, allowing for improved runtime even if the same battery capacity is used.
Apple to reportedly use a stainless steel battery case for the iPhone 16 Pro Max to improve thermals
The energy density of a smartphone battery refers to its capacity and weight. Based on Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest Medium blog post, Apple can achieve a higher runtime by lowering the battery capacity on the iPhone 16 Pro Max too. However, given that the upcoming premier handset is expected to feature a bigger footprint than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it is strange that Apple would downgrade the battery capacity, but we certainly hope this is not the case.
Additionally, Kuo states that the battery’s heat transfer process will improve as the technology giant could shift to a stainless steel enclosure for increased dissipation and protection. Kuo also mentions that using a stainless steel case will make it easier to remove the battery, placing Apple in the good books of the European Union. Furthermore, switching to this case should make it less of a hassle for third-party repair services to complete the replacement, assuming iPhone 16 Pro Max users want this work done for a lower price.
“Stainless steel is not as effective as aluminum in dissipating heat, but it is more robust and less susceptible to corrosion, so in addition to dissipating heat, the stainless steel battery case provides better protection for the battery and the iPhone system.
The use of a stainless steel battery case also reduces the difficulty of removing the battery, which will help Apple comply with the European Union’s requirements for mobile phone batteries’ replaceability in the future.”
Interestingly enough, late last year, we reported about an iPhone 16 Pro prototype’s battery leak, and though the cell was rumored to be barely larger than the one in the iPhone 15 Pro, it had a metal shell, likely for the exact same purpose that Kuo mentioned. Sunway, a new Apple supplier, will provide the battery’s stainless steel shell shipments. Despite its partner’s stringent quality requirements, the manufacturer could experience a surge in profit if this design takes off.
The blog post does not mention whether the iPhone 16 Pro Max will exclusively ship with a higher-density battery and protective metal enclosure, but it would be unfair if the smaller iPhone 16 Pro was left out. In any case, if there are any other internal changes to learn about, we will provide timely updates accordingly.
News Source: Ming-Chi Kuo
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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