New details about the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro have surfaced online. According to well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is testing different battery capacities for the U.S. and Chinese versions of the device.
As reported by MacRumors, the Chinese version of the iPhone 18 Pro could feature a battery with a capacity of around 4,056 mAh, while the U.S. model may come with a larger 4,288 mAh battery.
The difference is reportedly due to the absence of a physical SIM card tray in U.S. iPhones, which have relied exclusively on eSIM technology for several generations. The extra internal space allows Apple to install a slightly larger battery.
According to the leak, the year-over-year increase compared to the iPhone 17 Pro would be relatively modest. The Chinese model would gain approximately 68 mAh, while the U.S. version would see an increase of around 36 mAh.
Digital Chat Station previously claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a battery capacity in the 5,000 mAh range for the Chinese market and between 5,100 and 5,200 mAh for international versions.
MacRumors notes that the information remains unconfirmed. It is unclear whether the figures originate from regulatory databases or are based on information from prototype devices within Apple’s supply chain.
However, even a modest increase in battery capacity does not necessarily mean only a small improvement in battery life. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature Apple’s new A20 Pro chip built on TSMC’s advanced 2-nanometer process, which should significantly improve power efficiency.
The devices are also expected to include Apple’s next-generation C2 modem, which could further enhance battery performance.
According to current reports, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. The smartphones are rumored to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, a simplified Camera Control system, and an upgraded main camera with a variable aperture.
