iPhone 16 Pro Max Could Offer Longer Battery Life With New Energy-Dense Cells [Kuo]

The next generation iPhone 16 Pro Max could offer users longer battery life by increasing the energy density of its battery cells, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

My latest supply chain survey indicates the energy density (Wh/kg) of the battery cells of iPhone 16 Pro Max will increase, which has the benefit of longer battery life with the same battery size or lower battery size with the same battery life. Increasing the energy density of the battery cells will increase the battery temperature when running.

Kuo believes that Apple will use a stainless steel battery case for the first time to avoid overheating the battery. Additionally, the new case is said to make battery replacement easier.


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.

If the battery upgrade goes smoothly, Apple is expected to implement the same design across the entire iPhone 17 lineup.

The stainless steel battery case is purportedly being supplied by Sunway. Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max order is estimated to account for less than 5% of the company's 2024 revenue; however, if production is expanded in 2025 to all iPhones, that amount could easily double.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more iPhone updates!