Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max could come with a stainless steel battery case

Apple is reportedly exploring a stainless steel battery case for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

Based on supply chain checks, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims Apple could be using a stainless steel battery case for the first time as a thermal solution on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

While stainless steel is not as effective as aluminium in heat dissipation, Kuo says it is more durable and resistant to corrosion. In addition, a switch to a stainless steel battery case will make it easier for battery removal and help Apple to comply with the EU's requirements for a simpler battery replacement process.

Kuo believes the stainless steel battery case will be used across the iPhone 17 lineup if mass production proceeds smoothly this year. Sunway is reportedly the main supplier of these stainless steel battery cases.

Another tipster shared in November 2023 that Apple is working on a new thermal design for the iPhone 16 to reduce overheating. This came weeks after iPhone 15 Pro users shared concerns about their devices overheating under normal usage conditions.

The new thermal design is said to be made of graphene, which has four times better thermal conductivity than copper (which is used in the current thermal system). Metal battery shells are also being considered for the iPhone 16 Pro.

Source: Ming-Chi Kuo via MacRumors

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