Technology
Apple uses firmware limits on iPhone 18 Pro Max to comply with shipping rules
A temporary cap holds the battery under 20 watt-hours until activation, accompanied by a new discharge setting for transit.
The short version
- Apple revealed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery exceeds 20 watt-hours, triggering international transport regulations for single-cell batteries.[The Verge · 9to5Mac]
- A factory firmware lock caps battery capacity below 20 watt-hours during shipping and automatically unlocks upon initial user activation.[The Verge · 9to5Mac]
- Apple introduced a Prepare to Ship setting that discharges the battery below the threshold when sending the device for repair, trade-in, or resale.[9to5Mac]
Key facts
- The iPhone 18 Pro Max battery exceeds 20 watt-hours, rated at roughly 21.75Wh for US models and 21.06Wh for European models.[The Verge · 9to5Mac]
- International shipping rules enforce extra requirements on single-cell batteries that exceed 20 watt-hours.[9to5Mac]
- Apple implemented firmware that keeps the battery below 20 watt-hours from manufacturing until user activation.[9to5Mac]
- A new Prepare to Ship option in settings discharges the battery below 20 watt-hours for transport, repairs, returns, or trade-ins.[9to5Mac]
- The Prepare to Ship discharge may warm the device and can take from several minutes to a few hours depending on starting charge.[9to5Mac]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.