iPhone 18 Pro Max battery leak hints at capacity over 5,400mAh in eSIM model
Apple’s next-generation flagship could bring one of the biggest battery upgrades seen on an iPhone in years. A new leak suggests the iPhone 18 Pro Max may pack a battery as large as 5,425mAh in markets where it ships without a physical SIM tray (which is not India), while regions that still require a SIM slot could receive a slightly smaller 5,235mAh unit.
While Apple never officially reveals battery capacities, leaked regulatory information has historically offered a reliable indication of the hardware inside upcoming iPhones. If the latest figures prove accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro Max would comfortably cross the 5,000mAh mark for the first time. The iPhone 18 lineup is expected to launch in September 2026.
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iPhone 18 Pro regional battery capacities leaked
Apple doesn’t sell eSIM versions in India, where the physical SIM is more of a convention. US and some Middle East countries get the eSIM version. The extra internal space available in eSIM-only models allows room for a slightly larger battery.
Here’s how the leaked capacities compare:
| Model | EU/Physical SIM | US/eSIM |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 3,998mAh | 4,252mAh |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 4,823mAh | 5,088mAh |
| iPhone 18 Pro | 4,056mAh | 4,288mAh |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 5,235mAh | 5,425mAh |
These figures also align with an earlier claim from tipster Digital Chat Station, who previously suggested the Pro Max would finally move beyond the 5,000mAh mark.
Battery comparison across generations
The leaked capacities point to modest improvements for the iPhone 18 Pro, but a more noticeable jump for the Pro Max. Combined with Apple’s rumoured 2nm A20 Pro chipset, the larger battery could translate into real-world endurance gains.
For context, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with a battery of roughly 4,800mAh, delivered around 12 hours and 35 minutes in our internal battery testing. A larger cell, paired with a more efficient chip, could help the iPhone 18 Pro Max extend that lead further, although actual performance will depend on software optimisation and display efficiency.
Even so, Apple continues to trail Android brands when it comes to battery capacity. Samsung’s current Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a battery similar in size to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra is rumoured to increase capacity to 5,500mAh. Chinese smartphone makers have moved much further ahead, with flagship models such as the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, OPPO Find X9 Pro and OnePlus 15 already offering batteries around 7,500mAh. Industry rumours also suggest flagship Android phones could approach 9,000mAh by the end of this year.
Apple’s strategy remains focused on efficiency rather than sheer battery size. Buyers considering the iPhone 18 Pro Max should view the rumoured upgrade as a welcome improvement, particularly if they prioritise long battery life within Apple’s ecosystem. However, users who want the biggest battery available on a flagship phone will still find Android devices offering significantly larger cells on paper.
