WORLDTECHApple confirms smaller battery for foldable iPhone Duo via EU label
Apple has now confirmed through the EU energy label that its foldable iPhone carries a 4,883 mAh battery, a cell that is significantly smaller than the 5,391 mAh unit in the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Notebookcheck, which reported the figures, says the foldable model therefore offers shorter battery life.
Battery capacity and label runtime
The EU energy label gives the foldable iPhone a battery capacity of 4,883 mAh, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max ships with a 5,391 mAh cell.
The label puts the foldable model's runtime at 51 hours and 30 minutes, more than ten hours short of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. That figure is generally reached only under very moderate use.
How it compares with rival foldables
The foldable iPhone's battery is slightly larger than the 4,800 mAh cell in Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8, which Notebookcheck lists at $1,699 on Amazon. The Samsung device, however, is considerably thinner and lighter.
Huawei's Pura X Max, which matches the iPhone's thickness, has a bigger 5,300 mAh battery.
Lifespan and replacement cost
Apple states that the battery keeps more than 1,000 charge cycles before its capacity falls to 80 percent. Notebookcheck estimates that, with one full charge a day, a replacement would fall due after just under three years, at a cost of $229.
The foldable iPhone is also rated IP68 and receives the same drop-resistance and repairability ratings as the iPhone 18 Pro Max. These specifications are provided by Apple and have not been tested by the EU.
What remains to be seen
Notebookcheck notes that the device's real durability will only become clear once it starts shipping. Orders placed now face delivery at the end of January, with shipping beginning on Friday.
Open questions
- How long will the foldable iPhone's battery last in everyday use compared with the label figure?
- Will the drop-resistance and repairability ratings hold up under independent testing?