iPhone 16 battery can last much longer thanks to new design and materials

The battery is removed from the iPhone [Apple]

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Battery life is perhaps the most important part of the iPhone experience. This is exactly what is rumored to change in terms of power with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro series.

Users often prioritize the importance of battery life above other factors of iPhone ownership. Processor performance, camera system, and display all seem to be the best ways to impress consumers looking to buy their next model.

But the battery is perhaps one of the most important elements of a smartphone. Without power it simply doesn't work.

Apple is serious about making sure your battery lasts as long as possible. Every year, the company makes changes to the battery so that users can use their smartphone throughout the day.

With the iPhone 16 family of devices launching in the fall, rumors have made quite a few claims about what battery changes might be coming.

iPhone 16 battery – changes in capacity

Everyone wants even more battery life. While Apple can extend the life of the iPhone by making it more energy efficient, it can also do so by simply increasing the battery capacity.

In February, the famous but dubious leader Majin Boo said that two iPhone 16 models would have an increase in capacity, and one would have a decrease.

Battery life is important for iPhone users

The capacity of the iPhone 16 Pro Max will increase from 4441 mAh, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, to 4676 mAh. The iPhone 16 will supposedly have a capacity of 3,561 mAh, compared to the 3,367 mAh in the iPhone 15. However, the iPhone 16 Plus will have a 4,006 mAh battery, compared to the 4,407 mAh of the iPhone 15 Plus.

Apple does not specify the exact mAh capacity of its batteries when it comes to iPhones. Instead, it prefers to indicate how long the battery will last based on typical usage scenarios.

iPhone 16 battery – changes in battery design

There have been several rumored design changes that could affect the next generation of iPhone.

In November, images from insider @KosutamiSan showed a J-shaped battery from an “early stage” iPhone 16 Pro prototype. The leak states that the battery has a capacity of 3355 mAh with a limited charge voltage of 4.48 V.

After the photos were taken, it was claimed that the battery's surface had changed from the glossy finish in the images to a “brushed metal body.” Apple also allegedly changed the design of the connector.

Presumably, the battery of an early version of the iPhone 16 Pro [X/KostamiSan]

In May, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that there could be a more radical battery redesign in iPhone 16 Pro Max. For this model, the energy density of the battery cells can be increased.

Cells can also be encased in stainless steel instead of aluminum. This change may make it harder for heat to dissipate through the case, but it will make the battery more durable and even meet EU removal requirements.

Kuo added that the changes will only affect the Pro Max model, but the design can be used across the entire iPhone 17 line.

iPhone 16 battery – graphene heatsink

The battery can generate heat inside the iPhone, which can become a problem if left unchecked. Heat can also affect the wear and tear of the battery, causing it to fail faster.

A KosutamiSan report on November 16 claimed that Apple may switch to a graphene heatsink and metal battery case in the iPhone 16 to improve heat transfer.

Graphene will be used because the iPhone has very little room for temperature control. Graphene also has ten times the thermal conductivity of copper.

iPhone 16 battery – high performance cathode technology

To go even further, a report from ETNews in November suggested that Apple was developing an entirely new battery. Apple was “directly involved in the development of the materials that make up the batteries,” it said.

Apple was apparently looking for a new composition of raw materials, including nickel, cobalt, manganese and aluminum, for the cathode. The company also wants to “dramatically increase silicon content” to replace graphite, which will ultimately increase capacity and reduce charging times.

Cooling your battery can extend its life.

Research on “carbon nanotubes” as a conductive material is also mentioned.

The report suggested that the new battery could be released after 2025, although it is likely that elements from the research could be used in batteries for the iPhone 16.

The iPhone 16 battery is more eco-friendly

Apple has long been committed to improving its environmental credentials. Apparently this also applies to batteries.

In April 2023, Apple said that by 2025, all batteries it develops will use 100% recycled cobalt. At the same time, the circuit boards will use 100% recycled tin soldering and gold plating, and all magnets will use recycled rare earth elements.

The statement that by 2025 all batteries will be developed using recycled cobalt does not prevent Apple from using these developments until 2025. This means that the technology may well penetrate the batteries of the iPhone 16.