Apple News
iPhone 18 Pro Max battery leak shows Apple’s clear plan to make its flagship model stand out
Apple appears to be shifting its strategy with the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. New regulatory filings from China’s 3C certification database reveal that the Pro Max will receive a significantly larger battery upgrade compared to its smaller sibling, giving the two models a more meaningful difference beyond just screen size.
Battery Capacities Leaked
According to details shared by prolific Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, here’s what the filings show:
iPhone 18 Pro
• China (physical SIM): 4,056 mAh (up from 3,988 mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro)
• United States (eSIM-only): 4,288 mAh (up from 4,252 mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro)
This represents only a minimal increase of roughly 0.8–1.7% year-over-year.
iPhone 18 Pro Max
• China (physical SIM): 5,391 mAh (up from 4,823 mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro Max)
• United States (eSIM-only): 5,567 mAh (up from 5,088 mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro Max)
That’s a substantial jump of approximately 9.4–11.8%, depending on the region.
The Pro Max battery is nearly 30% larger than the standard Pro model — a gap that should translate into noticeably better endurance on Apple’s flagship phone.
Why This Matters
For years, the main differences between the iPhone Pro and Pro Max have been limited to display size, battery life (thanks to the larger chassis), and minor weight variations. Apple has occasionally given the Pro Max exclusive advantages (such as the 120Hz ProMotion display on earlier models before it trickled down), but this year’s leak suggests a more deliberate push to differentiate the two.
The significantly larger battery in the iPhone 18 Pro Max reinforces its position as the flagship for users who prioritize maximum battery life and screen real estate. Meanwhile, the standard Pro gets only a token bump, keeping it more compact and potentially more affordable.
The Pro Max is also expected to be slightly thicker to accommodate the bigger cell, which aligns with previous rumors about design adjustments for battery space.
Other Features Expected to Stay the Same
These filings focus solely on battery capacities. Other key specs — including the camera system (likely the same 48MP Fusion main camera with variable aperture on both models), display technology, and processor — are still expected to be identical between the Pro and Pro Max.
Takeaway
If these numbers hold up, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could deliver one of the biggest battery improvements in recent years for Apple’s flagship line, while the regular Pro stays relatively conservative on capacity. This approach gives buyers a clearer reason to choose the larger model if battery life is a top priority.
MacDailyNews Take: Of course, these are still early leaks based on regulatory documents rather than final hardware testing. Real-world battery life will also depend on the efficiency of the new A-series chip, display optimizations, and software features coming in iOS 19.
The iPhone 18 series is expected to launch in September 2026. Until then, expect more details to emerge as supply chain information and additional certifications surface.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post iPhone 18 Pro Max battery leak shows Apple’s clear plan to make its flagship model stand out appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple’s foldable iPhone ‘could sell out immediately’ leading to long wait times – Ming Chi-Kuo
Apple’s long-awaited foldable iPhone is expected to generate strong consumer demand upon launch, but initial supply constraints could limit availability and delay widespread shipments, according to prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a Sunday blog post, Kuo — of TF International Securities — said Apple could unveil the foldable device alongside other new models soon. However, preorders and official sales are likely to slip into the fourth quarter of 2026.
Citing industry surveys, Kuo forecasts foldable iPhone shipments of 7–8 million units in the second half of 2026, with just 500,000–1 million units in Q3. He believes Apple will follow the cautious playbook it used for the 2017 iPhone X launch, given the product’s technical complexity.
“The foldable iPhone, given its limited 3Q26 shipments, may also not open for preorders or officially go on sale until 4Q26,” Kuo wrote.
Despite the constrained supply, Kuo expects robust demand — even at a premium price of $2,300 to $2,500. He anticipates the device could sell out quickly after preorders begin, with delivery wait times stretching to 4–6 weeks or longer through December.
Kuo noted that true demand will only become clear in late 2026 and early 2027, once initial launch hype fades and production ramps up.Apple shares rose 0.1% to $309 on Monday.
My latest industry survey indicates that assembly shipments for the foldable iPhone in 2H26 will be roughly 7–8 million units, with 3Q26 shipments at 0.5–1 million units, or about 10% of the total. By comparison, estimated 3Q26 shipments of the iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max total roughly 20–22 million units, significantly higher than the foldable iPhone and already meeting the inventory requirement for an official launch.
From the perspective of its 3Q26 inventory build, the foldable iPhone is likely to repeat what happened with the iPhone X in 2017: it may be announced alongside the other new models, but with pre-orders and official sales both coming later.
Key points:
1. The iPhone X’s key technological innovations and selling points at the time were that it was the first iPhone to adopt an OLED all-screen design, and that it introduced the notch and the Face ID / TrueDepth camera system. Because the iPhone X was difficult to manufacture, its 3Q17 assembly shipments were estimated at below 1 million units. The foldable iPhone is highly similar to the iPhone X in this regard: both use an innovative user experience as a key selling point, while manufacturing challenges limit early production.
2. Although Apple announced the iPhone X together with the iPhone 8 / 8 Plus on September 12, 2017, iPhone X pre-orders opened on October 27 and official sales began on November 3, later than the iPhone 8 / 8 Plus’s September 15 pre-order date and September 22 launch date. The reason was that iPhone X inventory had not reached the level required for a September launch. Viewed from this perspective, the foldable iPhone, given its limited 3Q26 shipments, may also not open for pre-orders or officially go on sale until 4Q26.
3. Based on discussions with carriers, sales channels, and resellers / proxy buyers, commonly referred to as scalpers, my conclusion is that demand for the foldable iPhone should remain strong at least through the end of 2026, even at a price of roughly US$2,300–2,500. This means the foldable iPhone could sell out immediately after pre-orders open, with delivery lead times quickly stretching to 4–6 weeks or longer and remaining there through December. Scarce initial supply, a highly recognizable design, and an innovative user experience should all support a short-term resale premium; resale prices 50–100% above the official price would not be out of the question.
4. The iPhone X supply crunch had eased significantly by late November 2017, and its 2H17 shipments ultimately reached roughly 30 million units. By comparison, foldable iPhone shipments in 2H26 are expected to be much lower at only about 7–8 million units, likely constrained by both the higher price point and greater manufacturing difficulty.
5. The best window for assessing true demand for the foldable iPhone is likely late 2026 to 1Q27. By then, the impact of the year-end peak season and launch buzz should be fading, while early production issues and supply constraints should have improved significantly. As these temporary factors gradually subside, it should become much clearer whether demand for the foldable iPhone is sustainable.
MacDailyNews Take: Get your pre-orders in during the first minute if you want your foldable iPhone before Christmas!
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple’s foldable iPhone ‘could sell out immediately’ leading to long wait times – Ming Chi-Kuo appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple could have purchased any of 487 S&P 500 companies, but CEO Tim Cook chose $853 billion in buybacks instead
While Wall Street obsesses over splashy acquisitions and AI mega-spends, Apple took a quieter, yet far more impactful, path. Instead of using the company’s massive cash reserves to snap up other businesses, Apple invested a staggering $853 billion in share buybacks since 2013. That war chest could have purchased nearly any of the other 487 companies in the S&P 500. Instead, Apple retired more than 44% of its own shares, supercharged earnings per share, and delivered extraordinary returns to long-term shareholders.
Sean Williams for The Motley Fool:
Beginning in 2013, Apple began repurchasing a lot of its own stock — and it hasn’t stopped:
2013: $22.95 billion in buybacks
2014: $45 billion
2015: $35.253 billion
2016: $29.722 billion
2017: $32.9 billion
2018: $72.738 billion
2019: $66.897 billion
2020: $72.358 billion
2021: $85.971 billion
2022: $89.402 billion
2023: $77.55 billion
2024: $94.949 billion
2025: $90.711 billion
2026: $36.989 billion (through the fiscal second quarter)
One reason Apple has been aggressive with share buybacks is that it helps the company’s optics…
Another reason Tim Cook and the Apple board went all-in on buybacks is that President Donald Trump’s tax policies made it logical to do so. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law by Trump in December 2017, permanently lowered the peak marginal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% (the lowest level since 1939). Being able to retain more of its earnings gave Apple a clear path to repurchase its stock without pulling capital away from research and development. This is why buybacks catapulted higher in 2018 (and beyond).
Lastly, share repurchases often incentivize long-term investing, which can minimize volatility.
MacDailyNews Take: Fewer AAPL shares mean bigger slices for longterm Apple shareholders, although it might’ve been nice to have acquired Tesla for $18.51B, or even $52.32B – $57.44B when Musk reached out to Apple CEO Tim Cook to discuss the possibility of Apple acquiring Tesla (Cook refused to take the meeting or even engage on the topic).
Tesla Year-End Market Values:
2013: $18.51 billion
2014: $27.95 billion
2015: $31.54 billion
2016: $34.42 billion
2017: $52.32 billion
2018: $57.44 billion
2019: $75.71 billion
2020: $668.90 billion
2021: $1.061 trillion
2022: $388.97 billion
2023: $789.89 billion
2024: $1.296 trillion
2025: $1.496 trillion
An investment of $18.51B that results in $1.496 trillion a mere dozen years later is a 7,982.12% increase. From 2013 to 2025, Apple’s market value increased 702.88% (not shabby, but still).
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple could have purchased any of 487 S&P 500 companies, but CEO Tim Cook chose $853 billion in buybacks instead appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Broadcom and Apple extend strategic partnership: custom chip collaboration locked in through 2031
In a move that underscores the enduring strength of one of tech’s most important supplier relationships, Broadcom and Apple have agreed to extend their technology collaboration through 2031. The companies entered into new multi-year, long-term agreements under which Broadcom will continue developing and supplying a range of custom ASIC silicon products for multiple generations of Apple devices.
The extension, disclosed via regulatory filing, builds on decades of partnership and reinforces Apple’s strategy of securing long-term supply agreements with key semiconductor partners to ensure supply-chain resilience.
What the Deal Covers
Broadcom has long been a critical supplier to Apple, providing:
• Custom radio frequency (RF) chips used in iPhones
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity solutions
• Other networking semiconductors
Even as Apple has aggressively brought more silicon in-house — designing its own M-series processors for Macs and iPads, and recently introducing its own cellular modems — the company continues to rely heavily on Broadcom for advanced wireless connectivity and RF components.
The new agreements cover custom ASIC development across multiple future product generations, giving both companies multi-year visibility and stability.
Background: A Proven Track Record
This extension follows the companies’ 2023 multibillion-dollar agreement, under which Broadcom was tasked with developing and manufacturing 5G radio frequency components (including FBAR filters) and cutting-edge wireless connectivity solutions. That deal highlighted Broadcom’s manufacturing capabilities in the United States and strengthened Apple’s domestic supply chain.
Apple remains one of Broadcom’s largest customers, accounting for approximately 20% of Broadcom’s annual revenue according to analyst estimates. The long-term nature of the new agreements provides significant revenue predictability for Broadcom while allowing Apple to plan its product roadmap with confidence.
Market Reaction
News of the extended partnership sent Broadcom shares higher, rising nearly 4% in premarket trading on the day of the announcement. The market clearly viewed the deal as a strong vote of confidence in Broadcom’s custom silicon capabilities and its position as a key enabler of Apple’s ecosystem.
Why This Matters
In today’s semiconductor landscape, custom ASICs are increasingly vital. While much of the industry spotlight has been on AI accelerators and high-performance computing, specialized chips for wireless connectivity, RF front-ends, and power management remain foundational to premium consumer devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.By locking in this partnership through 2031, Apple is ensuring it has reliable access to advanced custom silicon for the wireless and connectivity features that are critical to device performance, battery life, and 5G/6G readiness. For Broadcom, the deal solidifies its role as a strategic partner to one of the world’s most valuable companies and demonstrates the strength of its custom ASIC business.
Looking Ahead
This extension comes at a time when both companies are navigating rapid technological change — from AI integration in consumer devices to the evolution of wireless standards. The long-term agreement gives Broadcom the runway to invest in next-generation process technologies and design innovations tailored specifically to Apple’s needs.For investors and industry watchers, the message is clear: the Broadcom-Apple relationship remains one of the most important and durable partnerships in the semiconductor industry.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple gets supply certainty and cutting-edge custom silicon. Broadcom gets multi-year revenue visibility with its largest customer. It’s a win-win that should benefit both companies, and Apple customers, into the next decade.
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Broadcom and Apple extend strategic partnership: custom chip collaboration locked in through 2031 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Pages
- « first
- ‹ previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4