Highlights
- Leak suggests Apple is testing two iPhone 18 Pro battery versions with around 4,056mAh for physical SIM models and around 4,288mAh for eSIM-only variants.
- iPhone 18 Pro Max may also see battery differences with around 5,000mAh for SIM models and up to 5,200mAh for eSIM-only versions.
- Other expected upgrades include the A20 Pro 2nm chip, variable-aperture 48MP main camera and efficiency gains.
If latest word in the rumour mill has any truth, Apple may introduce the iPhone 18 Pro with different battery capacities depending on the market. The company could experiment in regions still using physical SIM cards may receive a version with a slightly smaller battery compared to eSIM-only models. Here’s more on what we know so far.
iPhone 18 Pro May Get Larger Battery in eSIM-Only Markets
According to the leak, Apple is currently testing two battery versions for the iPhone 18 Pro.
The variant intended for markets where physical SIM card support remains available is reportedly equipped with a battery capacity of around 4,056mAh. Meanwhile, the eSIM-only model is said to feature a larger 4,288mAh battery.
The information comes from a post shared on Weibo by tipster Digital Chat Station and it was later supported by another well-known leaker Ice Universe @UniverseIce as well.
iPhone 18 Pro Battery Capacity Revealed pic.twitter.com/U1A0vkCRdC
— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) June 2, 2026
The battery difference could become increasingly important if Apple expands its eSIM-only approach to more countries. Previous reports have suggested that some European markets may transition to eSIM-only iPhone models with the arrival of the iPhone 18 series. If that happens, consumers in those regions could receive devices with the larger battery.
Reports have also claimed that Apple eventually plans to eliminate physical SIM support across its entire iPhone lineup, which would remove regional battery variations altogether.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Could Also Get Battery Variations
The battery difference may not be limited to the standard Pro model. Leaker claims that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a battery capacity ranging between 5,100mAh and 5,200mAh in eSIM-only versions. In comparison, variants that continue to support physical SIM cards may include a battery closer to 5,000mAh.
iPhone 18 Pro – A20 Pro Chip and Camera Upgrades (Expected)
The iPhone 18 Pro will most likely introduce Apple’s A20 Pro processor. Earlier reports suggest the chipset will be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm process technology. The new chip is expected to deliver improved efficiency and performance, which could help extend battery life beyond the gains offered by the increased battery capacity.
The latest leak by tipster Digital Chat Station also claims that Apple is testing a variable aperture 48 megapixel primary camera on the iPhone 18 Pro prototype.
Previous reports have indicated that the company is working on camera improvements while retaining a triple 48-megapixel rear camera setup. Most of the expected upgrades are believed to focus on the main camera sensor.
According to the tipster, the combination of a larger battery, upgraded camera hardware, and next-generation processor could increase the overall manufacturing cost of the iPhone 18 Pro.
There have also been certain media reports that suggested that Apple could absorb some of the higher component costs especially in key markets such as China.
Other than this, the iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to receive a significant design overhaul. Reports indicate that Apple is reserving major design changes for a special anniversary iPhone planned for 2027 instead. Anyhow, these are just all words based on latest tips and rumours. We will have to wait for official announcement or clues to know more about Apple’s exact plans.
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FAQs
Q1. What battery sizes are being tested for the iPhone 18 Pro?
Answer. Apple is reportedly testing two versions, about 4,056mAh for physical SIM models and about 4,288mAh for eSIM-only models.
Q2. Will the iPhone 18 Pro Max also have battery variations?
Answer. Yes, leaks suggest ~5,000mAh for SIM models and between 5,100mAh–5,200mAh for eSIM-only versions.
Q3. What other upgrades are expected in the iPhone 18 Pro?
Answer. It may feature the A20 Pro 2nm chip, a variable-aperture 48MP main camera, and efficiency improvements, though no major design changes are expected until 2027.
