Home · Technology · Sep 21 archive
iPhone 18 Pro Max Requires Battery Drain Before Shipping
Confirmed
In Short: Apple has introduced a new 'Prepare to Ship' feature for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which requires users to discharge the battery to below 20 watt-hours before shipping the device.
According to Apple, the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses an 'innovative battery-firmware solution' that limits the battery capacity to below 20Wh between manufacturing and delivery to customers.
When the iPhone is activated, the 'Ready to Ship' status appears in Settings, indicating that the battery capacity has been temporarily limited.
The Prepare to Ship feature can be accessed through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Prepare to Ship. This process discharges the battery to below 20Wh and sets a charge limit to keep it there during shipping.
Apple warns that the iPhone can become warmer than usual during the Prepare to Ship process, which can take up to a couple of hours if the battery starts fully charged.
The feature is not required when taking the phone on a flight or traveling with it, but it is necessary if the device needs to be shipped for repair, trade-in, or other purposes.
Once activation is complete, the iPhone unlocks its full battery capacity, allowing users to enjoy the full 45 hours of video playback on eSIM-only models.
Apple has published full instructions for using Prepare to Ship on its support website, emphasizing that the feature is designed to meet shipping requirements and does not erase personal data or remove Activation Lock.
Apple stresses that the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery itself is safe, and the Prepare to Ship feature is a precautionary measure to comply with shipping regulations.
Before sending any iPhone away, users are advised to make a backup and follow Apple’s return or repair instructions for the specific destination.
What this adds
Apple's new support document confirms that the iPhone 18 Pro Max has a battery capacity of more than 20 watt-hours, which requires special handling before shipping.
The shipping rules become relevant again if an owner later needs to send the phone somewhere, such as for a repair, trade-in, or return.
The Prepare to Ship feature addresses the battery-transport requirement and is not required merely because the battery is large.
Background
Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro Max must have its battery capacity limited to below 20Wh before shipping, a process that can be undone after 14 days.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are praised for their advanced camera features, but come with a hefty price tag.
What's confirmed
- The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a battery capacity over 20 watt-hours, which means there are additional shipping requirements.
- The Prepare to Ship option can be accessed by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Prepare to Ship.
What's still developing
- Depending on the reason the user selected for the Prepare to Ship feature, there could be a 14-day waiting period before it can be disabled.
- The Apple Post previously reported that iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers up to 45 hours of video playback on eSIM-only models, the longest battery-life figure Apple quotes for the new Pro lineup.
- Products containing a single-cell battery above 20Wh are subject to additional shipping requirements in most countries and regions, prompting Apple to build a battery-management solution directly into the phone.
- The same shipping rules become relevant again if an owner later needs to send the phone somewhere, such as for a repair, trade-in or return.
- Owners shipping the phone directly to another person, such as when selling it or giving it as a gift, can also use Prepare to Ship and undo the setting later.
- Do not turn on the mode merely because the battery is large.