Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and charging speeds are key factors to consider when buying a smartphone, and Apple’s new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max introduce new innovation in power efficiency and charging performance.
This article will bring out the key attributes of battery capacity, day-to-day performance, and charging capacity of these devices. If you’d like to learn about battery upgrades over older models or you’re curious about Apple’s shift towards USB-C, this comparison will take you through everything you need to know regarding the power potential of the iPhone 15 series.

Table of Contents
Main differences
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and charging ability introduce some major improvements in charging speeds and battery capacity compared to previous models. Some of the key differences are
- Battery Capacity: The iPhone 15 Pro Max also has greater battery capacity than the standard iPhone 15 and is suited for heavy use for power-hungry activities. Both phones do offer incremental improvements in battery life compared to the iPhone 14 series.
- Battery Life: Daily use results in more screen time on the iPhone 15 Pro Max compared to the standard iPhone 15, ideal for heavy users.
- Charging Speeds and Compatibility: Both phones now feature a USB-C connector, a significant shift from Apple’s previous Lightning port. This enables quicker charging through cables and more compatibility with a variety of USB-C chargers, including non-Apple ones.
- Other Charging Features: The iPhone 15 Pro Max may also have features like reverse wireless charging, something the standard iPhone 15 lacks.
Apple iPhone 15 Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 has a battery size of approximately 3,349 mAh, larger than the battery in the iPhone 14. This upgrade will be utilized to support the improved hardware and software efficiency of the iPhone 15, allowing users to operate it for longer durations daily. Although lower than in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the capacity of the iPhone 15 is optimized for balanced performance and offers a good battery life for routine tasks like web surfing, streaming, and app use.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Battery Size
iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
---|---|---|
4,422 mAh | 4,323 mAh | 4,352 mAh |
iPhone 15 Pro Battery Size
iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro | iPhone 13 Pro |
---|---|---|
3,274 mAh | 3,200 mAh | 3,095 mAh |
iPhone 15 Plus Battery Size
iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 13 Plus |
---|---|---|
4,383 mAh | 4,325 mAh | 4,352 mAh |
iPhone 15 Battery Size
iPhone 15 | iPhone 14 | iPhone 13 |
---|---|---|
3,349 mAh | 3,279 mAh | 3,240 mAh |
Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max Battery Life
The battery life and charging speed of iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max offer considerable improvements in battery life, thanks to their larger battery capacities and power optimization.
- iPhone 15: The iPhone 15 features a 3,349 mAh battery that delivers strong day-to-day performance, going all day on typical daily use like web browsing, social media, and video streaming. Apple advertises up to 20 hours of video play, and it is a good choice for full-time usage.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: The iPhone 15 Pro Max with an even bigger 4,422 mAh battery is built for heavy usage. It has a battery life of up to 29 hours of video playback, ideal for heavy users who need all-day battery life for gaming, work, and multimedia.
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These optimizations and battery sizes ensure that both models provide long-lasting performance, catering to diverse user needs from light to heavy usage.

iPhone 15 Series PhoneArena Battery Tests
PhoneArena conducted extensive battery tests on Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and charging speeds to estimate real-life performance on common tasks. Browsing, video streaming, and gaming were part of the tests to give users a good idea of how well each model would perform with everyday usage.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: The Pro Max, thanks to its 4,422 mAh battery, went the distance, with over 12 hours in web browsing tests and 10 hours in video streaming, making it the best choice for heavy users.
- iPhone 15 Pro: The 3,274 mAh battery in the Pro lasted for around 10 hours in web browsing tests and 8 hours in video playback, with excellent power efficiency in a smaller form factor.
- iPhone 15 Plus: Thanks to its 4,383 mAh battery, the iPhone 15 Plus performed very well, close to the Pro Max, with 11 hours of web browsing and 9 hours of video streaming, addressing the requirements of users who value battery life more than Pro features.
- iPhone 15: The standard iPhone 15, with its 3,349 mAh battery, posted good results, with 9 hours on web browsing tests and 8 hours on video streaming, which positions it as a good all-around choice for general usage.
These test results indicate the variations of battery life across the iPhone 15 line, helping users choose the best device to fit their needs.
Battery Test Results

Does the iPhone 15 come with a USB-C port?
In fact, the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max battery and charging speeds also mark Apple’s shift toward a USB-C port from the traditional Lightning port on previous iPhone models. The shift brings the iPhone in line with other Apple products, including the iPad and MacBook, and allows for high-speed data transfer and broader compatibility with USB-C accessories. Users can now charge their iPhone 15 models using standard USB-C cables, making it easier to share chargers across devices and brands.
Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max Charging Speeds
The Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and charging speeds both support up to 20W fast charging using the appropriate USB-C chargers. The charging speed allows each model to reach around 50% charge in around 30 minutes, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.
With the switch to USB-C, both phones also accept a range of higher-wattage charging plugs, such as Apple’s 30W USB-C charger, to trim a little charging time off. In addition to that, the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max battery and charging speeds also offer MagSafe wireless charging at up to 15W for the convenience of those who don’t want to bother with cables.
What Charger Does the iPhone 15 Use?
Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and charging speeds make use of a USB-C charger, a change from the Lightning port in the previous devices. To achieve the fastest possible charging rates, it is recommended to use a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter, Apple advises. A charger like this can charge the iPhone 15 to around 50% in just 30 minutes.
Even though Apple no longer includes a charger in the box, any USB-C charger from another company can be utilized by the user as long as it is compatible with the recommended wattage for the intended charging speed.
Does the iPhone 15 Offer Reverse Wireless Charging?
No, the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and charging speeds do not support reverse wireless charging. Although the shift to USB-C has allowed for more compatibility and simplicity of use, Apple has yet to introduce reverse wireless charging, a feature that would allow the iPhone to wirelessly charge other devices, like AirPods or other iPhones. This feature is still mostly limited to certain Android devices, so users desiring reverse wireless charging may need to look elsewhere.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and charging speeds offer phenomenal enhancements, particularly in the areas of battery life, charging speeds, and performance. The shift to USB-C offers added convenience, while the larger batteries in the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus bring advantages to users who require extended use. Although the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro Max support fast charging and wireless charging, they still lack reverse wireless charging, which is a feature some might expect.
Whether you’re looking for a device with all-day battery life, faster charging, or a more streamlined charging experience, the iPhone 15 series offers a range of options to suit different needs and preferences.
Does the iPhone 15 support fast charging?
Yes, the iPhone 15 supports fast charging up to 20W with a compatible USB-C charger, allowing you to charge your device to 50% in about 30 minutes.
Is the iPhone 15 compatible with USB-C accessories?
Yes, with the shift to a USB-C port, the iPhone 15 is compatible with USB-C accessories, including chargers and cables, making it easier to use universal chargers across Apple and other devices.
Does the iPhone 15 have wireless charging?
Yes, the iPhone 15 supports MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W, allowing you to charge your device wirelessly with compatible MagSafe chargers.
How long does the iPhone 15 battery last?
The iPhone 15 can last up to 20 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers up to 29 hours of video playback, depending on the model and usage.
Does the iPhone 15 have reverse wireless charging?
No, the iPhone 15 series does not offer reverse wireless charging, a feature that would allow your iPhone to charge other devices wirelessly.