iPhone 16 Pro Max to Feature Enhanced Battery Density and Stainless Steel Housing

Highlights

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max to have a higher energy density battery

  • Switch to stainless steel battery housing from aluminum

  • Stainless steel housing aimed at meeting EU regulations

  • Sunway expected to be the primary supplier of the new battery housing

As Apple prepares to introduce its next-generation iPhone range, new information concerning the battery and design choices for the iPhone 16 Pro Max has emerged.

Prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided information on anticipated upgrades to the battery and casing for the next flagship model.

Greater Density of Energy in Batteries

iPhone 16 Pro Max to have a higher energy density battery

Kuo’s estimate indicates that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a battery that has a better energy density than the model it replaces.

This enhancement can result in a longer battery life or better power management for the gadget.

Stainless Steel Battery Housing

Switch to stainless steel battery housing from aluminum

Apple is reportedly adopting a stainless steel battery case for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, replacing the aluminum battery housing in existing iPhone versions, in a surprise move.

The decision, however, is a bit apprehensive, as stainless steel generally doesn’t dissipate heat as well, and higher-density batteries could run hotter.

Possible Reasons for Stainless Steel Housing

Stainless steel housing aimed at meeting EU regulations

Apple could adopt stainless steel in a bid to comply with EU laws that insist that batteries in smartphones should be replaceable.

According to Kuo, stainless steel casing could make battery replacement easier, which would assist Apple in meeting EU requirements.

In addition to this, the casing made of stainless steel used on the battery compartment may offer better structural strength and durability but may also add extra weight when compared to its aluminum counterpart.

Supplier and Potential Expansion

Sunway expected to be the primary supplier of the new battery housing

Kuo says that Sunway is likely to be the primary supplier of the stainless steel battery housing used in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

If the initial production runs turn out well, Apple may consider equipping the new battery casings in all of the iPhone 17s.

While stainless steel for the housing of a battery might sound contradictory for thermal dissipation, most probably Apple accounted for a set of issues: compliance to regulatory requirements, longevity, and serviceability.

APPLE IPHONE 16 PRO MAX SPECIFICATIONS

Key Specs

RAM 6 GB
Processor Apple A16 Bionic
Rear Camera 13 MP + 13 MP + 13 MP
Front Camera 13 MP
Battery 4700 mAh
Display 6.25 inches (15.88 cm)

General

Launch Date October 26, 2023 (Unofficial)
Operating System iOS v16

Performance

Chipset Apple A16 Bionic
CPU Hexa Core (3.464 GHz, Dual core, Everest + 2.02 GHz, Quad core, Sawtooth)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 4 nm
Graphics Apple GPU (Five-core graphics)
RAM 6 GB

Display

Display Type OLED
Screen Size 6.25 inches (15.88 cm)
Resolution 1189 x 2546 pixels
Pixel Density 450 ppi
Bezel-less display Yes
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup Triple
Resolution 13 MP, Primary Camera
13 MP
13 MP
Autofocus Yes
Flash Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution 4128 x 3096 Pixels
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Camera Features Digital Zoom
Auto Flash
Face detection
Video Recording 1920×1080 @ 30 fps
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Resolution 13 MP, Primary Camera
Video Recording 1920×1080 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity 4700 mAh
Type Li-Polymer
Removable No
Quick Charging Yes, Fast
USB Type-C No

Storage

Internal Memory 128 GB
Expandable Memory No

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM
Network Support 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE Yes
SIM 1
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
SIM 2
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
Wi-Fi Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n)
Wi-Fi Features Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v5.3
GPS Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack Lightning

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor No
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope

FAQs

What is the key battery improvement in the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to feature a battery with higher energy density, which could lead to longer battery life or improved power management.

Why is Apple switching to stainless steel battery housing?

Apple is reportedly switching to stainless steel battery housing to comply with EU regulations that require smartphone batteries to be replaceable and to enhance the structural strength and durability of the device.

What are the potential drawbacks of using stainless steel for battery housing?

Stainless steel generally does not dissipate heat as effectively as aluminum, which could pose challenges given the higher density of the new batteries that might run hotter.

Who is expected to supply the new stainless steel battery housings?

Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Sunway will likely be the primary supplier of the stainless steel battery housings for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Will the stainless steel battery housing affect the weight of the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Yes, the use of stainless steel for the battery housing may add extra weight compared to the aluminum used in current models, but it will also provide better structural integrity.

Also Read: MARK GURMAN Backs Up IPHONE 16 PRO / PRO MAX LARGER DISPLAY SIZE RUMORS

Also Read: iPhone 16 Pro Max Rumored to Feature 300mm Super Telephoto Periscope Camera: Does this mean Forgetting the iPhone 15