Among the many rumored upgrades for the upcoming iPhone 16 series, battery life may not have been the first area that came to mind. However, numerous leaks and reports suggest that Apple has made significant improvements in this department.
All iPhone 16 models, except for the iPhone 16 Plus, are expected to feature larger batteries compared to their predecessors. The highest increase in battery capacity is reported to be for the smaller iPhone 16 Pro, with 9% larger battery size than the iPhone 15 Pro.
Additionally, Apple is said to have adopted TSMC's advanced 3nm process for the Apple A18 and A18 Pro chipsets. These processors are reported to be more power-efficient than those found in the iPhone 15 series, contributing to extended battery life.
A more intriguing rumor suggests that Apple has redesigned the iPhone batteries, placing them in metal cases to improve heat dissipation. The shape of the batteries themselves is also believed to have been modified to increase energy density.
Perhaps the most exciting news for many iPhone enthusiasts is the prospect of faster wired and wireless charging in the iPhone 16 series. Rumors indicate that both wired and MagSafe wireless charging speeds will be significantly improved.
iPhone 16 expected battery upgrades
Increase in battery capacity for all almost all models
3,577mAh (+9.2% vs previous model's 3274mAh battery)*
iPhone 16 Pro Max
4676mAh (+5.7% vs previous model's 4,422mAh battery)*
*-rumored battery sizes
Improved chip efficiency
We also expect the new Apple A18 and A18 Pro chipsets to offer significantly better power efficiency, extending the battery life while also improving performance thanks to TSMC's second-generation 3nm process (dubbed N3E).
The first generation of TSMC's 3nm process produced powerful chips like Apple's A17 Pro silicon, but it did not have the greatest balance between power consumption and delivery, which is what the N3E process is said to correct.
Better heat dissipation
Last year's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models have experienced overheating problems since their release, resulting in thermal throttling. Initial complaints focused on excessive heat when using certain apps, which was later attributed to a software bug that has since been fixed.
The alleged live photo of a future iPhone battery in metal casing for increased heat dissipation."
However, overheating issues persist, especially when charging. The use of titanium in the phone's casing, which is less heat-conductive than steel, is believed to contribute to the problem. To solve this issue Apple is said to adopt graphene layers on the iPhone 16 Pro models, as well as a metal battery case, both of which should significantly help with heat transfer.
One of the new potential battery designs for the iPhone 16 series.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, Apple is reportedly adopting a stainless steel battery case for this model, which is said to improve battery safety and potentially make it easier to remove in compliance with future EU regulations. Overall, Kuo's track record and the specific details provided make this rumor more credible than previous ones.
There's a possibility that these battery improvements could be extended to the entire iPhone 16 lineup if the technology proves successful. If not, Apple might implement them later on for the whole iPhone 17 lineup in 2025.
Apple could revolutionize battery tech (in the distant future)
A report from the end of 2023 stated that Apple is spending some of its resources into researching battery technology, looking for ways to make it less dependent on finite resources like graphite. The report claims that Apple is wants to instead use silicon, which would potentially allow for larger battery capacity and faster charging.
Said report from ETnews also hints at the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a conductive material that could improve battery performance, as it can deliver superior performance even with a smaller amount compared current conductive materials.
It is mostly unlikely that we will see any fruit of these endeavours by Apple in its iPhone 16 series, but there is still a chance for some pieces of the research to have been implemented.
According to the rumors, the iPhone 16 series is set to offer faster charging speeds compared to its predecessor. Wired charging will increase from 27W to 40W (a 48.1% increase over last generation), while MagSafe wireless charging will rise from 15W to 20W (a 33% increase).
Here's a summary of the expected iPhone 16 series charging speeds:
40W wired charging
20W wireless charging (with MagSafe chargers)
Will the iPhone 16 use have reverse wireless charging?
Based on the lack of leaks about wireless charging on the iPhone 16, we have no reason to believe it will support this feature. While Apple did finally start to offer some kind of reverse charging with the iPhone 15 series, i.e. being able to charge another device using your iPhone, that is only possible via a cable for now.
What charger will the iPhone 16 use?
The iPhone 16 series will likely make the most use of a 30W a USB-C charger. The company finally dropped its proprietary lightning port when it introduced the iPhone 15 last year, so you will need a USB-C cable. It doesn't have to be USB-C to USB-C though, you will still be able to charge the iPhone 16 with a USB-A to USB-C cable.
How fast will the iPhone 16 charge?
Given the nearly 50% increase in power input, we expect the iPhone 16 series to charge from 1-100% between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the model you get. For comparison, the iPhone 15 series charged between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours.
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Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.
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