iPhone 17 Pro Max leak hints at record battery size

A recent leak suggests that Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, according to a report by Forbes.

The information comes from a Weibo account named Instant Digital, a source known for a mixed track record in Apple-related leaks. 

According to the leak, the iPhone 17 Pro Max battery could reach approximately 5,000mAh, surpassing the 4,676mAh capacity of the current iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

This aligns with earlier rumours that the new model will be thicker — potentially 8.725mm compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 8.25mm — with expectations that the added space could support a larger battery.

9to5Mac notes that if the final capacity is close to 5,000mAh, it could represent nearly a 10% increase, though the outlet cautions that battery capacity doesn't directly translate to battery life improvements.

MacRumors highlighted that battery life has steadily improved in recent models, citing Apple's official figures: the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts 33 hours, up from 29 on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. With the projected increase, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could offer up to 35 hours of battery life, or possibly more.

However, Apple Insider's William Gallagher urged caution, noting that battery life also depends on the device's overall design. While new features like vapor chamber cooling may not directly affect battery consumption, others might, offsetting any gains from increased capacity.

Despite evolving features, extended battery life remains one of users’ top demands — and the iPhone 17 Pro Max might finally deliver on that front.