The Verge
Apple’s clever software solution lets iPhone batteries skirt shipping limits
Monday, September 21, 2026
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max includes software that limits battery capacity to remain below 20Wh, the international shipping threshold for single-cell batteries, according to Apple's support documentation. The battery-firmware solution reduces the device's reported capacity during shipment while allowing full capacity after purchase. Apple did not publicly announce the technical approach or explain when the measure was implemented.
