Analysts Claim iPhone 16 Pro Max Battery Will Feature a Stainless Steel Casing to Increase Energy Density and Facilitate Easier Removal

Since the end of last year, there have been numerous news regarding the battery technology for the iPhone 16 series. Netizen @Kosutami_Ito was among the first to reveal that the iPhone 16 Pro series would feature batteries with metal casings, a departure from the plastic pouch batteries currently used in iPhones and most other smartphones.

Today, Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities, published an article corroborating this information. Kuo stated that the stainless steel casing for the iPhone 16 battery offers several advantages, such as providing longer battery life within the same volume or reducing the battery size for the same battery life.

Kuo's insights from the supply chain suggest that the energy density of the battery in the iPhone 16 Pro Max could increase by approximately 5% to 10%, thereby enhancing the device's battery life. Initially, it seems that only the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature a battery casing made of stainless steel.

In July 2023, the European Union passed a new legislation requiring all products containing batteries to have replaceable batteries. This includes but is not limited to smartphones, tablets, laptops, electric vehicles, and industrial equipment, though smaller devices like watches are exempt.

Furthermore, the EU mandates that devices with replaceable batteries must also simplify the battery replacement process. This means consumers should be able to easily replace the batteries themselves, thereby extending the lifespan of their devices.

Kuo pointed out that using a stainless steel battery casing not only increases the battery's energy density but also complies with EU regulations, making it a win-win for Apple.

Although stainless steel does not conduct heat as well as aluminum (but still better than the current plastic pouches), its durability and resistance to corrosion provide better protection for the battery, aside from the heat dissipation aspect.

If this new battery design is successfully mass-produced and well-received, Apple plans to use stainless steel casings for the batteries across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, expected to launch in the fall of 2025.

Additionally, Apple intends to use a technology known as electromagnetic adhesive debonding to secure the battery, allowing users to quickly remove the battery by applying a low voltage, eliminating the need for complicated adhesive strips. However, the specifics of this technology remain unclear.