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Apple’s clever software solution lets iPhone batteries skirt shipping limits
Confirmed
In Short: Apple has introduced a 'battery-firmware solution' on the new iPhones, allowing them to skirt international shipping regulations by temporarily lowering battery capacity below the 20Wh limit.
According to Apple’s support page, the iPhone 18 Pro Max removes its 20Wh firmware lock upon user activation, restoring the device to its original charging capacity of around 21.75Wh for US eSIM-only models and 21.06Wh for European models with a physical SIM slot.
At Wednesday’s Surprise and Shine event, Apple announced a new feature called iPhone Handoff, which allows users to use the same number on two different phones.
Apple said, “iOS 27 improves connectivity with smarter transitions between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, and introduces iPhone Handoff that lets you use a single phone number across two iPhones.”
The Handoff feature can be set up in the Cellular section of the iPhone’s settings once iOS 27 is available. However, the feature will initially be limited to specific cellular carriers, such as T-Mobile and Telecom Germany.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models come with a higher price tag in India, starting at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,79,900 respectively, with the Pro Max reaching up to Rs 3,29,900 for 2TB.
The new models retain the flat sides, large rear camera plateau, and overall dimensions similar to the iPhone 17 Pro series, with the iPhone 18 Pro weighing 211 grams, up from 206 grams for the iPhone 17 Pro.
Apple also announced iOS 27, which will be released on September 12, bringing several upgrades and improvements to the iPhone ecosystem.
Apple’s latest iPhone 18 Pro series includes a new chip that delivers up to 20 percent faster everyday performance.
The government has welcomed Apple and Google’s efforts to block access to nude images on smartphones used by under-18s, but more action is needed to stop children from capturing and sharing such content.
What this adds
Apple’s workaround for shipping restrictions on large batteries is a clever software solution that automatically removes itself when the device is booted up for the first time.
The Handoff feature will be available with iOS 27, but it will be limited to specific cellular carriers initially.
Apple has not revealed the battery capacities of the new iPhone models.
Background
Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, a high-end foldable device, while experts recommend the best iPhone VPNs for privacy.
What's confirmed
- According to Apple’s support page, the iPhone 18 Pro Max removes its 20Wh firmware lock upon user activation, restoring the device to its original charging capacity of around 21.75Wh for US eSIM-only models and 21.06Wh for European models with a physical SIM slot.
- At Wednesday’s Surprise and Shine event, Apple announced a new feature called iPhone Handoff, which allows users to use the same number on two different phones.
- The Handoff feature can be set up in the Cellular section of the iPhone’s settings once iOS 27 is available. However, the feature will initially be limited to specific cellular carriers, such as T-Mobile and Telecom Germany.
- The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models come with a higher price tag in India, starting at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,79,900 respectively, with the Pro Max reaching up to Rs 3,29,900 for 2TB.
- The new models retain the flat sides, large rear camera plateau, and overall dimensions similar to the iPhone 17 Pro series, with the iPhone 18 Pro weighing 211 grams, up from 206 grams for the iPhone 17 Pro.
- Apple also announced iOS 27, which will be released on September 12, bringing several upgrades and improvements to the iPhone ecosystem.
- Apple’s latest iPhone 18 Pro series includes a new chip that delivers up to 20 percent faster everyday performance.
- The government has welcomed Apple and Google’s efforts to block access to nude images on smartphones used by under-18s, but more action is needed to stop children from capturing and sharing such content.
What's still developing
- There’s a “battery-firmware solution” in place on the new iPhones, according to Apple’s support page, which keeps capacity below the 20Wh limit for single-cell batteries set by international shipping regulations — but this firmware lock automatically removes itself when the device is booted up for the first time.
- The restoration feature can be found under the settings menu by opening General settings, tapping Transfer or Reset iPhone, and then Prepare to Ship.
- Apple has developed an unexpected workaround to prevent the iPhone 18 Pro Max from being hit by shipping restrictions on big batteries.
- Soon iPhone owners will be able to split their phone numbers between devices.
- The announcement came alongside the reveals of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and the long-rumored, foldable iPhone Duo.
- The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,79,900.
- Apple has not revealed the battery capacities of the new models.
- The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,79,900 and goes up to Rs 3,29,900 for 2TB.
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