Apple firmware-caps iPhone 18 Pro Max battery below 20Wh for shipping

Apple uses firmware to keep the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery under the 20Wh shipping threshold, unlocking full capacity on first activation. The cell is rated 21.75Wh in the US and 21.06Wh in the EU, and iOS 27 adds a "Prepare to Ship" mode that discharges it below 20Wh for up to 14 days.

• iPhone 18 Pro Max battery: 21.75Wh in the US, 21.06Wh in the EU
• Firmware holds the battery below 20Wh until first power-on
• iOS 27 "Prepare to Ship" discharges below 20Wh for up to 14 days
• Apple is the first major OEM to meet the threshold via firmware, not hardware