TDK Corporation, a leading supplier of batteries for Apple Inc.'s iPhones, is set to introduce an advanced version of its cutting-edge silicon-anode battery this year to meet the growing power demands of AI-enabled mobile devices. According to CEO Noboru Saito, the company will begin mass production of its third-generation silicon-anode cells by late summer. Silicon-based batteries, while more complex to manufacture, offer significantly higher energy density than traditional batteries and have already gained traction among major Chinese smartphone brands. “Our focus on research and development has been a consistent strength, and we are committed to accelerating this momentum,” said Saito, a veteran of over 30 years with the Tokyo-based company.

The new standard for smartphones

Amperex Technology Ltd. (ATL), TDK's Hong Kong-based subsidiary and a global leader in mobile battery technology, first launched lithium-ion cells with silicon anodes in 2023 after extensive research. These batteries offered a 5 per cent increase in energy density compared to their graphite-anode counterparts. The latest 2025 version boasts a 15 per cent improvement, enabling devices like the Vivo X200 Pro to integrate a 6,000mAh battery in the same form factor as phones with 5,000mAh batteries.

EVs on the horizon

Silicon batteries have also caught the attention of competitors like LG Energy Solution Ltd. and Samsung SDI Co., who are exploring their potential for electric vehicles (EVs). Silicon technology could enable EV batteries to recharge in just five to seven minutes, a significant improvement over the 40 minutes required by conventional graphite-based batteries. Group14 Technologies Inc., TDK, and ATL’s silicon anode suppliers see EVs as the next big market for this technology. The US-based firm, which counts Porsche AG as a strategic investor, highlights the transformative potential of silicon batteries for automakers. “Virtually all automakers are interested in silicon batteries because of their faster charging capabilities,” said Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe.