Rumors suggest that Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone could feature a battery capacity vastly exceeding that of Samsung’s recent Galaxy Z Fold models. If true, the iPhone Fold might be equipped with a battery ranging from 5,400 to 5,800mAh—far surpassing the widely rumored 4,400mAh for the Z Fold 7 and potentially even outlasting the Z Fold 8, which Korean media suggests could finally push beyond 5,000mAh.
A Bold, Unverified Claim
This claim, while intriguing, remains unconfirmed. It originates from Korean blogger Yeux1122, who reports that Apple is testing various battery sizes for the iPhone Fold, with capacities possibly reaching 5,800mAh. The implication is that Apple might be willing to accept increased thickness or weight to achieve this larger capacity. However, the sourcing is unclear, so these details should be taken with caution as early-stage rumors rather than confirmed facts.
Implications for Battery Life and Competition
Despite the uncertified nature of these claims, the numbers are compelling. To provide context, the iPhone 15 Pro Max currently houses a roughly 4,422mAh battery but is renowned for delivering impressive battery life thanks to optimized hardware-software integration and efficient silicon. A near-6,000mAh battery would mark Apple’s largest battery to date, especially in a foldable device.
Comparison with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Series
Samsung’s recent Fold models, from the Z Fold 3 to the Z Fold 6, have hovered around the 4,400mAh range. Industry rumors suggest the Z Fold 7 will maintain this capacity, but the Z Fold 8 might finally increase it beyond 5,000mAh. Should Apple succeed in achieving 5,400mAh or higher, the iPhone Fold would lead on paper.
In comparison, the rumored capacities would outclass other foldables like the OnePlus Open with its 4,805mAh and the Pixel Fold with 4,821mAh. While both devices offer respectable battery life, they still face the fundamental challenge of powering large, tablet-sized inner screens—something that a larger battery could help compensate for, potentially extending usage during multitasking or media playback.
The Significance of Larger Batteries in Foldables
Foldables must balance high-performance displays, intricate hinge mechanisms, and often, higher peak brightness levels. The inner screen alone can be a significant power drain, especially with high refresh rates and productivity features running on both displays. For users, battery life remains a decisive factor—often determining whether a device feels like a true, portable “laptop-lite” or leaves them anxious for a midday recharge.
Historically, Apple has managed to outperform competitors with similar-sized devices, thanks to optimized silicon and efficient power management. Pairing these advancements with a larger battery could lead to even longer screen-on times, setting a new standard for foldable devices.
Trade-Offs in Larger Batteries
However, bigger batteries introduce trade-offs. The foldable design can complicate thermal management and mechanical support, especially if the cell is split between the two halves of the device. Additional capacity usually means extra weight, which can impact overall comfort and portability. For comparison, the Pixel Fold weighs around 283 grams, while the OnePlus Open manages approximately 239 grams thanks to lightweight materials and a stacked battery design.
The rumored design for the iPhone Fold might adopt a “squat” aspect ratio—similar to Oppo Find N and Pixel Fold models—potentially reducing perceived thickness when folded and improving ergonomics for single-handed use. Nonetheless, this design must also contend with balancing battery size, hinge durability, heat dissipation, and features like an under-display selfie camera, especially if Apple opts for brighter, crease-resistant screens.
What Comes Next
Until more credible sources emerge, the details about the iPhone Fold’s battery capacity remain speculative. Still, this rumor aligns with a broader industry trend: as foldables mature, battery capacity and efficiency are becoming pivotal differentiators rather than mere afterthoughts.
If Apple emphasizes endurance, it could push the entire market toward larger, more energy-dense batteries and smarter system optimizations. A battery capacity in the 5,400–5,800mAh range—if confirmed—would not only make it Apple’s most substantial battery ever but could also redefine expectations for foldable smartphones.
