iPhone 12 will get big battery boost from this innovation

iPhone 11
The iPhone 11. (Image credit: Future)

One of the most consistent things users want from a new generation of a smartphone is more battery life. Often this achieved by simply increasing the size of the battery cell within the phone, but Apple’s rumored new supplier for the iPhone 12 has an alternative method.

Korean website The Elec (via TechRadar and MacRumors) claims that a Korean company named ITM Semiconductor has provided battery protection circuits to Apple for its iPhone 11 series. But the part we’re interested in is the fact that industry sources believe that ITM Semiconductor will be providing its new "Protection Module Packages" to the 2020 installment of the iPhone.

It was reported by The Elec in November that Samsung had ordered these modules for the Galaxy S11, meaning that two of next year’s biggest releases will share these benefits.

Battery protection modules are pieces of circuitry within batteries that make sure they don’t get overcharged or give out more power than they’re meant to. The innovation here is shrinking these down while keeping them just as effective. 

The modules that will be used in the iPhone 12 are close to 50% smaller than the ones previously used, meaning there’s extra room for more milliamps. There could also be an option to shrink the battery while keeping the same capacity as the previous model if there’s something else that could use the space.

TOPICS
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.

Latest in iPhones
iPhone 17 Air concept image
iPhone 17 Air just tipped for exclusive upgrade regular iPhone 17 won't get
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 18 may miss out on this performance upgrade — what we know
iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air — 5 biggest revelations from new in-depth report
Zens Quattro Wireless Charging Pro 4 charging station with 3 iphones and an AirPods case
Double-decker 'AirPower' charger now available from Apple — here's what it costs
Foldable iPhone concept image
Are you sitting down? Here’s what the foldable iPhone could cost
iOS 19 logo on an iPhone
iOS 19's big redesign is tipped to bring a whole new look and unite all of Apple's devices — and pave the way for a foldable iPhone
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Wednesday, March 19 (#647)
Chromecast with Google TV connected to display
Google finally pushes out full Chromecast fix for users who factory reset — here’s what to do
A picture of a skull and bones on a smartphone depicting malware
Hundreds of malicious Android apps with 60 million downloads found spamming Android users with ads and stealing credentials
Switch 2 console and logo
Nintendo Switch 2 rumor just tipped possible release date — and it's much sooner than we thought
Hacker typing on laptop in darkened room
Hackers create "BRUTED" tool to attack VPNs – how to stay safe
Malware
Dangerous new password-stealing trojan automatically reinstalls itself on infected PCs