With Apple’s next flagship launch expected in September, regulatory filings are beginning to shed light on what the iPhone 18 lineup may bring. The latest leak comes from China, where two unannounced Apple handsets have appeared in a certification database. The listings are believed to correspond to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max and appear to reveal battery capacities for both US and international variants.
Filing
The information comes from the China Compulsory Certification (3C) database and was shared by tipster Digital Chat Station. While the certification does not directly name the devices as iPhone 18 models, the battery model numbers listed are widely believed to match Apple’s upcoming Pro handsets.
Regulatory listings like these often surface months before official launches and have previously provided accurate details about charging limits, battery ratings, and regional differences.
Capacities
According to the certification documents, the iPhone 18 Pro is listed with two different battery capacities depending on region. The Chinese variant is shown with a 4,056mAh battery, while the US model is listed with a slightly larger 4,288mAh cell.
If accurate, this would represent a modest increase over the iPhone 17 Pro. That model is believed to feature 3,988mAh in China and 4,252mAh in the US, suggesting Apple is continuing its gradual battery growth strategy.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max appears to be in line for a more noticeable upgrade. The filings list a 5,391mAh battery for the Chinese model and a 5,567mAh battery for the US version. By comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max reportedly uses batteries rated at 4,823mAh and 5,088mAh in the respective regions.
| Model | China Variant | US Variant |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | 4,056mAh | 4,288mAh |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 5,391mAh | 5,567mAh |
Details
Beyond capacity, the certification documents also include rated energy figures of up to 21.751Wh and a charge limit of 4.520V. The approval validity reportedly runs through May or June 2031, which is typical for such filings and does not indicate a launch date.
While these technical details do not confirm real-world battery life, they do offer an early look at Apple’s hardware direction for its next Pro models.
Differences
Regional battery differences are not new for Apple. Since the launch of the iPhone 14 in 2022, US iPhones have relied entirely on eSIM technology and no longer include a physical SIM tray. This change has freed up internal space, allowing Apple to fit slightly larger batteries in US models compared to international versions that still require a SIM slot.
The same approach appears to be continuing with the iPhone 18 lineup, based on the capacities listed in the certification.
Timeline
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September. Recent reports suggest the company may adopt a split launch strategy, with the Pro models debuting alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone later this year.
Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 and a lower-cost iPhone 18e are rumored to launch separately in spring 2027. As with all early leaks, the battery details remain unconfirmed until Apple makes its official announcement.
FAQs
Where were the iPhone 18 batteries listed?
On China’s 3C certification database.
What battery size is listed for iPhone 18 Pro?
Up to 4,288mAh for the US model.
Does iPhone 18 Pro Max get a larger battery?
Yes, filings suggest over 5,500mAh in the US.
Why do US iPhones have bigger batteries?
They use eSIM only, freeing internal space.
When is the iPhone 18 expected to launch?
The Pro models are expected in September.
