What Will the iPhone 17 Series Batteries Be Like?

According to leaks, the iPhone 17 series is set to feature a significant battery capacity upgrade, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max potentially equipped with a massive 5,000mAh battery. If true, this would mark the largest battery capacity leap in iPhone history.

Looking back at previous Pro Max models, Apple’s battery capacities have shown a steady upward trend:

- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,676mAh
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4,422mAh
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 4,323mAh

Thus, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to reach the 5,000mAh milestone. However, it’s worth noting that 5,000mAh may not be the final confirmed capacity, though it is expected to be close.

Projected Battery Capacities for iPhone 17 Series:

- iPhone 17 (Standard):~3,600mAh
- iPhone 17 Air: ~2,800mAh
- iPhone 17 Pro: ~3,900mAh
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: ~5,000mAh

If the iPhone 17 Pro Max does indeed feature a 5,000mAh battery, it would represent a nearly **10% increase** over the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 4,676mAh capacity. This would not only set a new record for iPhone battery sizes but, combined with further optimizations in hardware and software, could also push the device’s real-world battery life to unprecedented heights—potentially satisfying even heavy users for a full day or more. That said, the 5,000mAh figure may be an approximation, with slight variations possible in the final product. Regardless, this capacity would likely make the iPhone 17 Pro Max the longest-lasting flagship iPhone yet.

Beyond the Battery: Other Upgrades

In addition to the larger battery, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature a redesigned industrial layout, including a horizontal camera arrayon the back with a triple 48MP setup (main, ultra-wide, and periscope telephoto). The front camera is also expected to be upgraded to 24MP.

Notably, the iPhone 17 Pro series will reportedly **completely abandon the 12MP sensor**—a first in iPhone history—and introduce **dual-view video recording**, allowing simultaneous use of front and rear cameras.

Hardware & Performance

The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to come with **12GB of RAM** as standard and debut the **A19 Pro chip**, built on TSMC’s **3rd-gen 3nm process**. The display may feature an **anti-reflective coating** and improved scratch resistance.

Apple’s  iOS 26 is said to introduce a new **"Adaptive Power"** feature, optimized specifically for the iPhone 17 series. This AI-driven system will intelligently adjust screen brightness, processing efficiency, and background tasks to extend battery life.

Cooling & Thermal Management

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is also rumored to include a **vapor chamber cooling system**—a first for iPhones. This sealed copper module contains a cooling liquid that vaporizes when heated, then condenses in cooler areas, creating a continuous heat-dissipation cycle. Since lithium batteries degrade faster under high temperatures, this innovation could further enhance battery longevity.

Design & Thickness

Reports suggest the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be **8.76mm thick** (vs. 8.25mm for the iPhone 16 Pro Max), due to both the larger battery and the new cooling system.

Connectivity & Imaging

The Pro models may debut Apple’s **in-house Wi-Fi 7 chip and 5G modem**, alongside the triple 48MP rear camera setup. The front-facing Face ID cutout could be smaller, increasing screen-to-body ratio, while the rear camera module may adopt a **top-aligned horizontal layout**. The Apple logo might be repositioned lower on the back, though the wireless charging coil’s placement will remain unchanged.

Closing the Gap with Android

While Android flagships often boast 5,500mAh+ batteries, Apple’s move toward 5,000mAh signals a focus on closing the endurance gap while maintaining its edge in software optimization. The iPhone 16 Pro Max currently offers **33 hours of battery life**, but with the A19 Pro chip and larger battery, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could reach **35 hours or more**.

The Ultimate Question:

Will you prioritize slimness with the Air or endurance with the heavier Pro Max?

Release Timeline
As per tradition, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series between **September 8–15**, with devices already in pre-production. Stay tuned for further updates!