If you're interested in what Apple is planning next, it's worth taking a closer look at the iPhone 17 Pro Max. A well-known leaker from China has released new information about the battery capacity - and this could ensure that your charger stays in the drawer more often in the future.
A leak from "Instant Digital," a well-connected leaker on the Chinese platform Weibo , is attracting attention. He claims that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be equipped with a battery that reaches the 5,000 mAh mark for the first time. This would not only be a record for Apple, but also a practical upgrade for anyone looking for more battery life. It also includes a direct comparison with previous Pro Max models and hints at technical improvements that should also contribute to battery life.
The battery in comparison: From 2019 to 2025
According to the leak, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will offer a battery capacity of around 5,000 mAh. This would make it the largest battery Apple has ever installed in an iPhone. For context, here's an overview of the battery capacity trends of the Pro Max models over the past few years.
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 3,969 mAh
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 3,687 mAh
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 4,352 mAh
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 4,323 mAh
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4,422 mAh
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,676 mAh
- iPhone 17 Pro Max (leaked): approx. 5,000 mAh
The trend is clear: With each generation, capacity has increased in small but steady steps. The 17 Pro Max now marks the biggest leap since the iPhone 12 Pro Max—around 300 mAh more than its predecessor.
What does this mean for battery life?
According to Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts up to 33 hours—the current best. For comparison:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 28 hours
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 29 hours
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 33 hours
Purely mathematically, the 5,000 mAh battery in the iPhone 17 Pro Max would increase the runtime to approximately 35 hours or more. This depends not only on the battery size but also on the efficiency of the hardware. Two components could be crucial:
- The new A19 Pro chip, which is expected to be even more power-efficient than its predecessor
- Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 modem, which handles cellular and Wi-Fi more efficiently
Together, these factors could noticeably improve battery life – especially in everyday situations such as video streaming, navigation or mobile working.
How credible is the source?
"Instant Digital" is no stranger to the Apple leak scene. His track record is mixed, but he has been correct on many details in the past. Among other things, he correctly predicted:
- The yellow iPhone 14 in spring 2023
- The matte back glass on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
- The Apple Watch Series 9 as a small update
- Spatial video recording on the iPhone 15 Pro
- The new iPads with landscape camera
- The Nano Texture option for the iPad Pro with M4
- The battery capacities of the iPhone 16 Pro
- The continued compatibility of Apple Watch straps up to Series 10
These hits show that one should not simply dismiss his statements – even if not every leak turns out to be exactly correct.
More endurance than ever: The iPhone 17 Pro Max sets new standards
If the information is correct, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a battery that reaches 5,000 mAh for the first time. This would be an important step for anyone who needs more battery life without constantly having to think about the charging cable. Combined with efficient hardware like the A19 Pro and the Snapdragon X80 modem, the new model could be significantly more durable than its predecessors. Nothing is official yet, but the hints so far point to an iPhone that will not only be faster, but more importantly, more durable. Anyone looking for long battery life should keep an eye on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. (Image: Shutterstock / Yalcin Sonat)
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