Major Battery Boost for the iPhone Lineup
According to recent leaks reported by several reliable sources, including MacRumors, TradingView, and The Financial Express, Apple is set to introduce a 5,000mAh battery in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max. If true, this will be the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, significantly surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 4,676mAh unit. The rumor stems from a well-known tipster on Weibo, “Instant Digital,” who has a solid track record of Apple-related leaks.
Slight Increase in Thickness Made It Possible
The battery size bump is reportedly made possible due to a slight increase in the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s thickness—from 8.25mm to 8.725mm. This additional space allows Apple to fit a significantly larger battery inside the device. Apple seems to be prioritizing battery life and performance over making the thinnest phone possible, a shift in strategy welcomed by many power users (ZoomBangla).
Battery Life Expectations
The iPhone 16 Pro Max already boasts one of the best battery lives among smartphones, delivering up to 33 hours of video playback and 95 hours of audio playback. With a 5,000mAh battery, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could potentially exceed 35-36 hours of video playback and reach 100+ hours for audio. These figures depend on real-world optimization, but early estimates are highly promising (MacRumors).
A19 Pro Chipset and Efficiency Gains
The new battery isn’t working alone. Apple is also expected to introduce its next-gen A19 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process. This will deliver improved power efficiency, complementing the battery boost. Combined with iOS 26 optimizations and possible vapor chamber cooling technology, users can expect real-life usage times to benefit significantly—especially for heavy tasks like gaming, video editing, or 5G browsing (Financial Express).
iPhone 17 Pro vs. Pro Max: Key Differences
The regular iPhone 17 Pro is expected to remain thinner (around 8.25mm) and therefore might retain a smaller battery compared to the Pro Max. This again widens the gap between the two Pro models. While both are expected to feature upgraded internals and camera systems, the Pro Max is expected to stand out with its improved battery life and slightly larger 6.9-inch display, compared to the 6.3-inch display on the Pro model (MacRumors).
Conclusion
The rumored 5,000mAh battery in the iPhone 17 Pro Max marks a huge leap in Apple’s battery strategy. If true, this model will offer the longest battery life in iPhone history, potentially surpassing many Android flagships in terms of endurance. Coupled with efficient internals and iOS enhancements, Apple is targeting professionals and power users who demand all-day performance.
While these leaks are promising, the official announcement is expected in September 2025, when Apple is set to unveil the full iPhone 17 series. Until then, tech enthusiasts and fans can only speculate—but signs point to a powerhouse device.
