The High-Capacity Hurdle: Why Your iPhone 18 Pro Max Must Be Drained Before Shipping
The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max is set to feature a battery capacity exceeding 20 watt-hours, a technical milestone that brings new regulatory challenges. Due to international safety standards for transporting high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, these devices must now undergo a 'Prepare to Ship' procedure that drains the battery to a specific safe level before transit. This protocol ensures the device remains within safety margins for air and ground shipping, though it likely means consumers will receive their new smartphones with a significantly lower initial charge than in previous years.