iPhone 16 series battery upgrades

Will the iPhone 16 Series Receive Huge Battery Upgrades?

Written by: Franzria Ferriols

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Time to read 7 min

Apple’s history of battery upgrades has been a bit inconsistent. While some models have seen substantial improvements, others have only received minor bumps. However, rumors suggest the iPhone 16 series could see some of the biggest battery upgrades in years.


This article discusses what we’ve heard so far about the iPhone 16 battery upgrades. Let’s explore the potential changes and see if they are worth the wait.

What Are the Potential iPhone 16 Battery Upgrades (Rumored)

Apple is expected to increase battery capacities in the iPhone 16 series, with the iPhone 16 Pro receiving the most substantial upgrade. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Plus is rumored to downgrade its battery size and capacity.


With Apple's new chipsets' improved power efficiency, larger batteries should prolong battery life for most of the iPhone 16 models. However, the exact impact on user experience will depend on various factors, including individual usage patterns and the specific optimizations Apple has implemented in the iOS 17 software.


Let’s dive into the specifics below.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

The iPhone 16 Pro Max may receive a larger battery upgrade next to the iPhone 16 Pro.

The new A18 chips will lead to improved energy efficiency, performance, and a longer battery life.

Apple may introduce a new MagSafe charger with faster charging speeds.

Graphene layers and a metal battery case can help prevent overheating and resolve the issues from the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

1. Increased Battery Capacity

Tech experts and major sources point to the likelihood of significant battery upgrades in most iPhone 16 models. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is rumored to have a 5.7% larger battery than its predecessor, while the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to see a 9.2% increase in battery capacity. The base iPhone 16 would also receive a 6.3% battery upgrade.


We heard tips that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will come with a new stainless steel casing to increase cell density. This will allow Apple to offer better battery life with the same battery size or trim down the battery to offer something similar to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, stainless steel isn't as effective at dissipating heat as the current aluminum design, so Apple must come up with a solution for that.


Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Plus is the only iPhone 16 that might downgrade and have slightly smaller batteries. This could be due to factors like design constraints or a focus on other features.


Here’s a breakdown of the iPhone 16 series battery capacities and sizes, as per Phone Arena.

iPhone 16




iPhone 16 Plus




iPhone 16 Pro




iPhone 16 Pro Max 

3,562 mAh (a 6.3% increase from iPhone 15’s 3,349 mAh battery)



4,006 mAh (a -8.6% vs iPhone 15 Plus’ 4,383 mAh battery)



3,577 mAh (a 9.2% upgrade from iPhone 15 Pro’s 3,275 mAh battery)



4,676 mAh (a 5.7% increase from iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 4,422 mAh battery)

2. New A18 and A18 Pro Chips

The new A18 and A18 Pro chips are slated to power the iPhone 16 series, improving energy efficiency and battery life. This is especially helpful for power users with demanding workloads.


iPhone 16 A18 chip


The new chips' feature advancements in architecture and manufacturing processes result in the following benefits:


  • Better power management

  • Significant performance gains

  • Smoother multitasking

  • Faster app launches

  • Enhanced overall capabilities


This new chip has a 22.5% improvement over the iPhone 15's A17 chip and may even be better than all other phones or Androids.


3. Stacked Battery Design

The stacked battery technology in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models involves placing multiple battery cells on top of each other, effectively increasing the energy density within a given space.


Key benefits of stacked battery technology include:


  • Increased capacity

  • Improved charging speed

  • Enhanced durability


By stacking cells, Apple can fit more battery capacity into the same physical space, leading to longer battery life. Stacked batteries also allow faster charging rates, as the increased surface area facilitates more efficient energy transfer. Finally, the design itself can be more resistant to physical damage, as insulation layers protect the cells.


While the exact implementation of stacked battery technology in the iPhone 16 series remains uncertain, it is a promising development that could significantly improve the overall user experience.

4. Faster Charging

According to recent rumors, the iPhone 16's wired charging will be capped at 40W, a 48.1% increase from 27W of the iPhone 15. Meanwhile, MagSafe's wireless charging speed will upgrade to 20W, a 33% increase from 15W.


With reduced charging time, users can quickly top up their devices, especially during short breaks or in a hurry. Faster charging can also eliminate the frustration of waiting a long time for a full battery.

iPhone 16 Pro Magsafe charging

5. New MagSafe Charger

Apple may introduce a new MagSafe charger supporting these faster charging speeds. This would align with the improved charging capabilities of the iPhone 16 models.


One notable change to the MagSafe ring on the iPhone 16 is the potential for a larger size or a different material. This could enhance the magnetic connection between the phone and the charger, resulting in a more secure and efficient charging experience.


Thinborne’s iPhone 16 series cases are expected to work seamlessly with the new MagSafe charger. Designed with top-tier compatibility, these are engineered to maintain a strong magnetic connection while providing reliable protection for your device. The case's precise cutouts ensure unhindered access to all ports and buttons, allowing you to charge your iPhone 16 without removing the case.

6. Heat Management

To address the overheating issues encountered in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, Apple may incorporate graphene layers and a metal battery case in the iPhone 16 Pro series. These enhancements are designed to significantly improve heat transfer and dissipation, helping to maintain optimal performance and prevent excessive temperature rise.


Here's how it's possible. Known for their exceptional thermal conductivity, graphene layers can efficiently conduct heat away from the device's internal components, reducing the risk of overheating.


Furthermore, a metal battery case can provide a more effective heat sink, helping to dissipate heat generated by the battery and other internal components.

What Charger Will the iPhone 16 Series Use

The new iPhone 16 phones will most likely support the 30W USB-C charger, an Apple proprietary lightning port used in the iPhone 15 flagship. Otherwise, you should be able to use the USB-A to USB-C cables.

How These Battery Upgrades Impact User Experience

The impact of these potential upgrades in the iPhone 16 series battery on the user experience is pretty straightforward: improved battery life and performance, faster charging, and better heat management. If we’re looking at the long-term benefits, these upgrades would ultimately increase device longevity and boost productivity.


However, the actual impact will also depend on several factors, including:


  • Individual usage patterns: How you use your phone (e.g., heavy gaming, video streaming, or light tasks) will affect battery consumption.

  • Network conditions: Cellular network strength and data usage can influence battery drain.

  • App optimization: The efficiency of apps and their impact on the device's power consumption can vary.

  • Environmental factors: Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance.

Conclusion

The battery is a crucial factor to consider when deciding to upgrade from a previous model. If your current device meets your needs, it might not be necessary to prioritize battery improvements in the iPhone 16. However, if battery longevity and charging speed are your top priorities, the iPhone 16 series’ rumored upgrades would be worth your money.


Always consider adding an extra layer of protection to your device with an Aramid fiber case from Thinborne, the slimmest, best minimalist case for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.


You can also explore more options in our Amazon Store. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How will the new heat dissipation features affect the overall performance of the iPhone 16 series?

Improved heat dissipation can help prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance, especially during and after heavy use.


Are there any concerns about the long-term durability of the new stacked battery design?

While stacked battery designs offer potential benefits, there is always a risk of unforeseen issues. Apple will need to ensure that the design is robust and reliable over time.

Will the new MagSafe charger be compatible with older iPhone models?

It's likely that the new MagSafe charger will be compatible with older iPhone models that support MagSafe. However, the charging speed might be limited compared to the iPhone 16 series.

Will a MagSafe case interfere with the iPhone 16 signal?

A well-designed aramid fiber case like that from Thinborne should not significantly impact your iPhone 16's signal strength. This material minimizes interference while being protective and compatible with MagSafe.

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Franzria F.

Content Writer of Thinborne - The super thin phone case made of aramid fiber.


"I write anything tech and help businesses reach their target audience with a messaging that best fits the reader's needs. I can obsess over grammar and bite-sized, readable sentences because I care about people more than search engines. When I'm not writing, I am just in charge of finding coffee shops.☕️"

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