A new charging test indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro Max can go from 0% to 100% in about 55 minutes, a substantial improvement over the 81 minutes recorded for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The result comes after Apple said its new iPhone 18 Pro models support faster USB-C charging than the previous generation.

The test was published by the Chinese YouTube channel Xiaobai's Tech Reviews and highlighted by Ice Universe. It used a capable charger and found that the iPhone 18 Pro Max completed a full displayed charge 26 minutes faster than the preceding model. Because iPhones continue receiving a small amount of power after reaching 100%, the result does not represent the exact point at which charging physically stops.

iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches 50% in 15 minutes

The test also supports Apple's advertised improvement for shorter charging sessions. The iPhone 18 Pro Max reached 50% battery capacity in 15 minutes, compared with 20 minutes for the iPhone 17 Pro models.

That change could be more useful for quick top-ups than the full-charge result. Someone charging overnight is unlikely to notice much difference, but a brief connection during a commute or work break could restore considerably more battery in the same amount of time. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro is expected to offer similar charging performance.

Peak charging power reaches 52W

During the video test, the iPhone 18 Pro Max reached a peak charging rate of 52 watts during the first 12 minutes. A separate ChargerLAB test of the iPhone 17 Pro Max recorded a peak of 36W, suggesting a meaningful year-over-year increase in the phone's maximum input power.

Charging rates normally decline as a battery fills. This gradual reduction helps manage heat and protect the battery, so the 52W figure applies only to an early portion of the session rather than the entire charge.

What charger does the iPhone 18 Pro Max need?

Apple's technical specifications say the fastest charging speeds require a power adapter rated at 60W or more and equipped with Adjustable Voltage Supply, or AVS. That requirement means users may need to upgrade their existing charger to take full advantage of the improvement.

Apple sells a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with a 60W maximum output that meets the stated requirement. The adapter is listed at $39 on Apple's US online store. A compatible charger is therefore an additional consideration for anyone buying the iPhone 18 Pro models specifically for faster charging.

The test video is in Chinese, but its charging timeline provides an early indication of how much faster the iPhone 18 Pro Max can replenish its battery under suitable conditions.