Overview
- Multiple tech outlets this week published images and reposts that list 5,425 mAh for the eSIM iPhone 18 Pro Max and 5,235 mAh for the physical‑SIM variant.
- The alleged split is explained by removing the SIM tray freeing internal space that engineers could use to fit a larger battery in eSIM‑only units.
- The leaks trace back to a now‑deleted X/Twitter post by @fireuniverse8 and Weibo screenshots, and reporters note the leakers have unclear provenance and no independent confirmation.
- If true, the capacities would be clear year‑over‑year increases versus the iPhone 17 Pro Max and would top the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on paper, but real battery life still depends on chip efficiency, display tech and software.
- Apple has not confirmed the numbers and outlets say verification will likely come from further supply‑chain evidence or Apple's fall announcement, while markets that still use physical SIMs may get the smaller cell.