Apple has introduced a firmware-based workaround allowing the iPhone 18 Pro Max to avoid international shipping restrictions for single-cell batteries exceeding 20Wh. The software initially limits the battery’s capacity below that threshold, then automatically removes the restriction when the phone is first activated, restoring its full rated capacity.

The battery is rated at approximately 21.75Wh in US eSIM-only models and 21.06Wh in European models with a physical SIM slot. For repairs or resale, users can enable “Prepare to Ship”, which limits charging to 80% for 14 days; Apple says the process may require discharging the battery and could temporarily make the phone warmer. The approach may be more space-efficient than the dual-cell batteries commonly used by Android manufacturers to meet shipping rules.