iPhone 16 leak suggests major battery upgrade is coming – but fans fear Apple’s key new feature ‘will be a power hog’

APPLE’s iPhone 16 Pro line is expected to receive a significant battery boost compared to its predecessors, according to a new leak.

The leak comes from a reliable tipster known as Instant Digital on Chinese social media app Weibo, where many leaks have been posted before.

According to Instant Digital, the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro will have a larger 3,577 mAh battery, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a 4,676 mAh battery.

In comparison, the current iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with 3,274 and 4,424 mAh batteries respectively.

This means that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will receive 9.2% and 5.7% larger batteries.

It’s good news, but some eagle-eyed Apple fans believe the extra battery capacity is being implemented to support the weight of Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence is the company’s new AI offering.

It will update Siri to be more like ChatGPT and bring dozens of new features to the iPhone, iPad and Mac.

“It looks like Apple Intelligence will be a power hog!”, one viewer he wrote on Reddit.

Another responded, saying: “100% it has to be, Apple never intends to significantly increase battery life, just have the same as before.”

While a third person theorized: “I hope this means I can turn off Apple Intelligence and get amazing battery life.”

Apple Intelligence, which will arrive with iOS 18 later this year, will require much more processing power than other software updates.

Meanwhile, optimists say they can upgrade to the iPhone 16 – which would be the first iPhone upgrade in years.

“I’m buying this,” one person wrote, adding, “My XS is getting old, more battery is very welcome!”

Another wrote: “I can finally replace my iPhone X.”

The extra capacity means users will have to charge their iPhones less frequently.

“I hope this means I can travel and have my phone last me all day,” wrote a third person.

“And no, constantly checking Google Maps and listening to music means he dies in the afternoon.”

TIM COOK’S OFFICIAL WORD

Here’s what Apple CEO Tim Cook said about Apple Intelligence…

“We’re excited to introduce a new chapter in Apple innovation,” explained Tim.

“Apple Intelligence will transform what users can do with our products – and what our products can do for our users.

“Our unique approach combines generative AI with the user’s personal context to deliver truly actionable intelligence.

“And you can access that information in a completely private and secure way to help users do what matters most to them.

“This is AI, only Apple can deliver it, and we can’t wait for users to experience what it can do.”