Apple’s first foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a battery monster. According to multiple leaks, the upcoming iPhone Fold could feature a battery between 5,400 and 5,800 mAh, making it the largest battery Apple has ever put in an iPhone, even bigger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
That extra capacity is no accident. Foldable phones have much larger screens to power, and Apple appears willing to break its ultra-thin design obsession to deliver longer battery life. Rumors suggest the Fold may be slightly thicker and heavier to make room for bigger battery cells and improved cooling, possibly using a split-battery design similar to what Samsung already does.
On paper, this sounds like a win. A foldable iPhone with strong battery endurance could finally solve one of the biggest weaknesses of current foldables, which often struggle to last a full day under heavy use.
The Trade-Off: Weight & Fatigue
There’s a catch. A bigger battery means more weight, and that could lead to hand fatigue, especially when the device is unfolded and used for long sessions. Reports suggest Apple is prioritizing endurance over comfort, a gamble that may appeal to power users but frustrate those who value one-handed use and light devices.
Even the iPhone 17 Pro Max is thicker than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery, “lasting longer” instead of “feeling slimmer.”
What to Make Of It
Honestly? This is the right move, for a foldable.
Foldables aren’t meant to be feather-light fashion accessories. They’re productivity devices, mini-tablets you use for work, media, and multitasking. If Apple delivers a crease-free display and battery life that doesn’t collapse by evening, most users will gladly accept a bit more weight.
The real risk isn’t thickness, it’s whether Apple can balance power with ergonomics. If the Fold feels tiring to hold, the novelty will wear off quickly. But if Apple gets the weight distribution right, this could finally be the foldable that feels practical, not experimental.
In short: bigger battery, bigger expectations. Apple may be betting that endurance matters more than elegance, and for many users, that bet could pay off
