As Apple prepares for its September 9, 2026 presentation event for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, leaked specifications point to a battery capacity between 5,391 and 5,567 mAh, driven by regional hardware variants like the US eSIM-only model.
Shifting Power Densities: The Numbers Behind the iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumors
With the presentation date looming, leaks tracked by Tom’s Guide indicate that the upcoming flagship device could house a power cell than any previous generation. The current record for an iPhone belongs to the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 5,088 mAh. If these projections hold true, the new hardware will deliver a capacity increase ranging from 6% to 9%.
The upper limit of that capacity range—hitting 5,567 mAh—is reportedly tied to the United States version of the device, which is equipped exclusively with eSIM.
The Lithium-Ion Race: Apple Versus Samsung and Google
For years, Apple trailed its primary competitors in raw battery capacity. Looking back at 2017, the iPhone X offered a 2.716 mAh cell, while the Google Pixel 2 XL shipped with 3.520 mAh and the Samsung Galaxy S8+ featured 3.500 mAh. That gap narrowed before a crossover event occurred with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max marked a watershed moment by becoming the first Apple Pro Max model to surpass competing devices like the Galaxy S Ultra and Pixel Pro XL lines in raw capacity. Despite that hardware milestone, real-world battery efficiency testing reveals a tight race. In benchmark evaluations, the Samsung Galaxy S26 managed to outlast the iPhone 17 Pro Max by a narrow margin, recording 7 hours and 53 minutes of active runtime compared to the iPhone’s 7 hours and 46 minutes.
Battery Capacities at a Glance
- iPhone X (2017): 2.716 mAh
- Galaxy S8+ (2017): 3.500 mAh
- Pixel 2 XL (2017): 3.520 mAh
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: 5,000 mAh
- Pixel 11 Pro XL: 5,200 mAh
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5,088 mAh
- iPhone 18 Pro Max (Projected): Up to 5,567 mAh
What to Expect on September 9, 2026
Apple will continue relying on lithium-ion chemistry, mirroring the approach taken by Samsung with its Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google with its Pixel 11 Pro XL.
The official unveiling on September 9, 2026, will confirm whether these projected figures translate into shipping retail units.
