Why does iPhone only use steel shell batteries on the iPhone 16 Pro?

With the release of the iPhone 16 series, one of the most talked-about technological highlights is the steel-shell battery used only on the iPhone 16 Pro. This choice has sparked widespread discussion and speculation – why did Apple choose to test this technology only on the Pro version, rather than implementing it on the Max model as well? This article will delve into the technical advantages and potential challenges of steel-shell batteries and explore the reasons why Apple chose to test this technology exclusively on the iPhone 16 Pro.

I. Core Advantages of Steel-Shell Batteries

1. Improved Safety

Apple emphasized the multiple core advantages of steel-shell batteries over traditional plastic batteries during the new product launch. The most significant advantage is safety. Traditional lithium batteries are prone to severe safety hazards such as swelling, creasing, and even catching fire when subjected to heavy impact or shock. On the other hand, one significant advantage of steel-shell batteries is that they have excellent shock resistance, which can effectively reduce the risk of damage when dropped accidentally. For example, many users had reported the iPhone 15 Pro's battery swelling after a minor fall, causing the screen to bulge and even damaging the volume key. The iPhone 16 Pro with a steel shell shows significant improvements in this regard.

2. Optimized Heat Dissipation Performance

Apart from safety, steel-shell batteries display exceptional performance in heat dissipation. The thermal conductivity of steel is better than plastic or traditional aluminum shells, enabling the iPhone 16 Pro to transfer heat more effectively during high-load operations such as gaming or high-definition video recording, thereby improving the phone's heat dissipation performance. This not only provides long-term stability for the phone but also reduces performance degradation and mitigates safety hazards caused by overheating.

3. Extended Battery Life

Battery life remains a concern for users, and traditional batteries tend to be affected by internal chemical reactions during repeated charging and discharging cycles, affecting battery performance. Still, the rigid design of the steel shell's exterior can help maintain the stability of the battery's internal structure, thereby prolonging battery life. Apple also equipped the iPhone 16 Pro's steel shell battery with a pressure relief valve design, which can automatically release pressure when the internal battery pressure is high, further ensuring safety.

II. Why Does the 16 Pro Use a Steel-Shell Battery and Not the Pro Max?

1. Design of the Body Structure and Heat Dissipation Requirements

Although both the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are high-end models, they have significant differences in body size and internal design. Due to its smaller size, the 16 Pro has limited internal space, requiring more efficient and urgent heat dissipation. Steel-shell batteries are an ideal solution to this problem, thanks to their excellent heat dissipation performance. On the other hand, the 16 Pro Max has a larger body and more ample heat dissipation space, allowing it to function without the need for this structure.

2. Balancing the Weight

In its design, Apple strives for balance between performance and user experience, and the weight of the phone is one of the critical factors they consider. The 16 Pro Max is already heavier due to its larger screen and body, and adding a steel-shell battery would inevitably increase its weight further, impacting the user experience. The 16 Pro controls the overall weight by using a steel-shell battery while ensuring performance and safety.

III. Market Response and User Experience

From the market's perspective, the steel-shell battery of the iPhone 16 Pro has not faced widespread questioning or rejection. On the contrary, many users have recognized the innovation, believing that it has brought tangible benefits to the phone. There are, however, also some voices of doubt. Some argue that the introduction of the steel-shell battery is only an Apple "experiment" to test the technology's practicality and stability before the next-generation product is released.

According to the explanation given by Apple's official website customer service, the iPhone 16 series has undergone strict quality inspections before leaving the factory, and the steel-shell battery has undergone tests such as pressure and stress tests and high-temperature and humidity tests, ensuring its performance and safety. In any case, Apple's introduction of the steel-shell battery on the iPhone 16 Pro is a noteworthy attempt, not only improving heat dissipation but also significantly enhancing the phone's durability and safety.

IV. Industry Background and Future Trends

1. Market Demand and Competitive Situation

In today's smartphone market, performance improvement and user experience optimization are always the goals pursued by major manufacturers. Steel-shell batteries not only provide breakthroughs in heat dissipation performance but also bring advantages in battery life and safety, which undoubtedly allow Apple to gain a competitive advantage in the intense market competition. As technology continues to develop and improve, steel-shell batteries are likely to become a standard feature in more high-end models.

2. Implementation of EU Regulations

It is worth noting that one reason Apple adopted steel-shell batteries on the iPhone 16 Pro is related to the European Union's "Battery Act." According to this act, all batteries must be detachable from 2027. The design of steel-shell batteries simplifies the disassembly and replacement process, which is in line with this gradually approaching legislative requirement.

V. Future Development and Prospects of Steel-Shell Batteries

1. Technological Innovation and Application Promotion

With the successful application of steel-shell batteries on the iPhone 16 Pro, this technology is expected to be extended to other models and even other brands' devices in the future. Based on the market feedback and technical performance of the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple may evaluate the feasibility of adopting steel-shell batteries on the 16 Pro Max and other models. Another possibility is that next year, while battery capacity density further increases, Apple may adopt steel-shell batteries on the Pro Max model, further improving battery life.

2. Balancing Performance and Safety

As a new technology, steel-shell batteries exhibit excellent heat dissipation and safety, but in the promotion and application process, compatibility with other phone components and their impact on device weight and user experience still need to be considered. In the future development process, manufacturers need to continuously optimize technological design, ensuring the best balance between safety, performance improvement, and weight control.

The adoption of steel-shell batteries on the Apple iPhone 16 Pro displays Apple's drive to constantly innovate from both a technological and market strategy perspective. The advantages of steel-shell batteries in improving safety, optimizing heat dissipation performance, and extending battery life are evident, although only limited to the iPhone 16 Pro model. This may be the first step for Apple to test new technology. With the accumulation of user feedback and technological maturity, we have every reason to believe that this innovation will bring more profound effects to the smartphone industry.

In the future, steel-shell batteries may become a new driving force for improving smartphone performance and user experience and may become an important weapon for Apple to further consolidate its market position in responding to various international laws and market competition.