In terms of autonomy, several smartphones are doing well. In this first half of 2024, we are thinking in particular of the Honor Magic 6 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, high-end Android models. At Apple, the undisputed kings are the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus. The Apple firm should also improve things with its next generation of smartphone, more precisely on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
According to a Medium publication by Ming-Chi Kuo published on May 17, 2024, this model would be entitled to a battery with a greater energy density (Wh/kg) of the cells. The analyst particularly emphasizes that this battery “has the advantage of longer battery life with the same battery size or a smaller battery size with the same battery life”.
As the iPhone 15 Pro Max does not specifically need to improve its performance in terms of autonomy, the second option seems more possible. It would also allow Apple to implement more components under the hood of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The impact on the battery
We learn in passing that increasing the energy density of the battery would bring a disadvantage: an increase in the temperature of the battery. To counter this problem, Ming-Chi Kuo returns to a previous rumor, mentioning the use of a stainless steel protective case around the battery to limit overheating. The analyst specifies that “stainless steel is not as effective as aluminum at dissipating heat, but it is sturdier and less susceptible to corrosion. In addition to dissipating heat, the stainless steel battery case better protects the iPhone battery and system“.
In addition to improving heat dissipation, the stainless steel casing would make battery removal easier, according to the analyst. That “will help Apple comply with European Union requirements for cell phone battery replaceability in the future”, he explains.
In addition to this information, Ming-Chi Kuo shared on May 19, 2024 the colors of the next generation of Apple smartphones: black, white or silver, gray (potentially natural titanium) and pink for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, versus black, green, pink, blue and white for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.