Apple’s next generation of non-Pro iPhones could bring a change that has not been particularly common in its standard models: a substantial battery upgrade. A new leak suggests the upcoming iPhone 18 may have a larger battery than not only the iPhone 17 but also the recently introduced iPhone 18 Pro.
The development comes as Apple prepares to expand its latest smartphone portfolio. While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max arrived in September, buyers waiting for the more affordable models may have to hold on for a few more months. The standard iPhone 18, alongside the rumoured iPhone 18e and iPhone 18 Air 2, is expected to make its debut sometime between February and April 2027. March is currently emerging as a possible launch window, although Apple has not confirmed any such plans.
iPhone 18 battery capacity could exceed Pro models
The latest battery information comes from Chinese tipster Fixed Focus Digital, who shared the purported specifications on Weibo. According to the leak, both the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could feature a 4,430mAh battery.
If accurate, this would represent a considerable increase over the iPhone 17, which reportedly has a 3,692mAh cell. The difference works out to roughly 20 per cent, potentially giving the standard iPhone 18 more capacity to work with.
Interestingly, the leaked figure also exceeds the battery capacities of the iPhone 18 Pro models. The Pro reportedly uses a 4,056mAh battery in physical SIM markets, while eSIM-only versions are said to have a 4,288mAh cell. That would put the standard iPhone 18 ahead of both configurations on paper.
There could be a practical explanation for the additional space. Apple is reportedly reworking some internal components, including the Taptic Engine and the bottom-firing speaker. The company is also said to be considering removing the physical SIM tray, which could leave more room inside the chassis. However, the SIM-related change may be limited to certain markets.
A larger battery does not automatically translate into longer real-world usage. The chipset, display and software will also influence endurance, making it difficult to estimate the actual improvement without testing.
iPhone 18 price in India and what to expect
Battery capacity is not the only area attracting attention. The standard iPhone 18 could also receive Apple's next-generation A20 processor, reportedly manufactured using TSMC's 2nm technology. The new chip is expected to offer improved processing capabilities and could deliver up to 30 per cent better power efficiency than the A19. These figures remain unconfirmed.
Apple may retain the 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display introduced with the iPhone 17, including its 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and 1.5K resolution. Some refinements, such as improved brightness and narrower bezels, are possible. However, the smaller Dynamic Island reportedly planned for the Pro models may not make its way to the standard version.
Memory configurations are also yet to become clear. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reportedly indicated that the device could feature 9GB of RAM, while Jeff Pu expects 12GB. Either configuration would represent an important consideration as Apple expands its on-device artificial intelligence capabilities.
Photography hardware may remain relatively familiar. The iPhone 18 is expected to retain a dual rear-camera arrangement, comprising a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera. The front-facing camera, meanwhile, could receive an upgrade, although leaks disagree on whether Apple will use an 18-megapixel or 24-megapixel sensor.
A leaked dummy unit has also reportedly shown a horizontal camera bar, with the rear lenses positioned vertically. Other expected additions include an updated Camera Control button, Apple's C2 modem and IP68-rated protection against dust and water.
Software could be another area of change. The iPhone 18 is expected to ship with iOS 27, which may introduce a more capable version of Siri. Apple is reportedly exploring Google's Gemini technology to improve the assistant's conversational abilities and allow it to perform tasks across different applications.
As for pricing, the ongoing memory supply crunch could put pressure on smartphone manufacturers, and Apple may not be immune. Tipster Digital Chat Station has suggested that the iPhone 18 could start at around Rs 99,900 in India. If the reported figure holds, buyers may have to pay more than they did for the previous generation.
