Apple has developed a clever way to get around shipping restrictions on devices with high-capacity batteries. The new iPhone uses special software solutions to keep battery capacity below the 20 Wh threshold set by international shipping regulations for a single battery. This software lock is automatically released when the device boots up.
Image source: Apple
Once activated by the user, the battery capacity of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will return to its original nominal value: approximately 21.75 Wh for the US market model (eSIM only) and approximately 21.06 Wh for the European model with a physical SIM card slot.
If users need to send their phone for repair or resale, they can restore the restrictions using the “Ready to Ship” feature, which limits battery power to 80% for 14 days. This feature can be found in the Settings menu: In the “General” section, select “Transfer or reset iPhone” and then tap “Prepare to Ship.”
Apple noted that the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery may need to be discharged before it is ready to ship, and the battery may be hotter than usual during this period. You can disable Ready to Send at any time through the settings menu.
Android smartphone manufacturers outside Asia often equip their devices with lower-capacity dual batteries to circumvent shipping restrictions. However, such solutions are more expensive and less efficient in terms of use of internal space. If Apple’s software solution is successful, Android device manufacturers may start taking a similar approach.
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