How Long Do iPhone Batteries Last?

The iPhone has long been one of the most popular smartphones in the world, thanks to its sleek design and seamless user experience. However, one of the most common concerns among iPhone users is battery life — both regarding daily usage and long-term lifespan. Over time, an iPhone battery degrades, resulting in shorter usage times between charges and the eventual need for a battery replacement.

So, the question is, how long do iPhone batteries last? The answer depends on several important factors, ranging from your usage habits to the specific model of your device. This guide will explore typical iPhone battery lifespans, tips and tricks to improve your iPhone’s battery health, and steps to take once your iPhone battery starts wearing out.

In short, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to extend the lifespan of your iPhone battery, whether your phone is brand new or has years of heavy use.

By following the advice in this guide, you can keep your iPhone at peak performance power for a long time to come.

The Science Behind iPhone Battery Health

Apple uses lithium-ion batteries in all of its iPhones — these batteries are manufactured to be lightweight, fast-charging, and long-lasting. That said, as with all rechargeable batteries, iPhone batteries degrade over time and with use. Apple measures its battery lifespans in “charge cycles” — a full charge cycle is when the battery drains to 0% and fully recharges.

How Many Charge Cycles Does an iPhone Battery Last?

Assuming normal usage, Apple says that an iPhone battery retains roughly 80% of its peak performance capability after 500 full charge cycles. While this can obviously vary based on your usage patterns, it usually takes up to two years to reach 500 charge cycles. After that, battery health degrades more quickly, resulting in reduced battery life and potential performance issues.

Battery Health and Degradation

Ever since the iPhone 6, Apple has provided a tool to help users determine battery health. All you need to do is open the Settings app, choose “Battery,” and tap “Battery Health & Charging.”

Then, you’ll see your device’s maximum capacity percentage, an indicator of how much charge your battery holds compared to when it was new. If this metric falls under 80%, you might start to notice issues like reduced battery life between charges and even unexpected shutdowns and crashes.

Signs That Your iPhone Battery May Be Dying

As your iPhone ages, you’ll likely see some telltale signs of battery degradation. Here are a few signs to look out for — if you see them, your iPhone battery might be wearing out.

Reduced Battery Performance Between Charge Cycles

If your iPhone used to last all day on a single charge but now runs out of juice in the afternoon, your battery may have significantly degraded.

Unexpected Shutdowns

Older batteries may cause your iPhone to crash or power down unexpectedly, even when the battery percentage isn’t at 0%.

Slow Performance

Apple has a built-in performance management feature with iOS that slows down phones with aging batteries in an effort to prevent the unexpected shutdowns we just discussed. If your device feels like it’s operating slower than usual, it could be the result of a degraded battery.

Overheating

Older batteries have to work harder to generate power, which also means they may generate more heat when supporting normal peak performance. Does your iPhone feel unusually warm during typical use? If so, your battery might be on its last legs.

Battery Health Below 80%

If your iPhone’s battery health screen shows a maximum capacity percentage of less than 80%, Apple may recommend a replacement for optimized battery charging and performance.

How You Can Extend Your iPhone Battery’s Lifespan

While some degree of battery degradation is unavoidable, there are several ways you can slow down the process and extend your iPhone battery’s ability to provide necessary peak power.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Apple says that you should keep your phone in environments between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s unlikely that many of us are leaving our iPhones in freezers or ovens, but you might be surprised by how hot your device can get if you leave it out in the sun! High heat speeds up the battery degradation process and extreme cold can also lead to battery performance issues.

Rethink Your Charging Habits

You can extend your battery’s life by keeping it charged between 20% and 80%. Draining it to 0% and filling it up to 100% can put extra pressure on the battery and suppress its ability to hold a charge for more than a few hours.

Use Quality Chargers and Cords

While you don’t always need to use Apple-certified chargers and cables — after all, the days of the Lightning cable are behind us! — it is a good idea to only use high-quality charging accessories. Cheap chargers and cords can power your device inconsistently and shorten the lifespan of its battery.

Reduce Battery Drain

Several common tasks can drain your battery more than you might realize. Use the following performance management protections to keep your battery from unnecessarily draining throughout the day.

• Reduce screen brightness levels or enable the “Auto-Brightness” feature
• Use Low Power Mode when your battery gets below 25%
• Turn off background application refresh features for unnecessary apps
• Disable location service options for apps that don’t require them
• Keep your iPhone updated to the latest supported version of iOS to optimize battery usage

Properly Store Your iPhone

If you don’t plan on using your iPhone for an extended period, drain the battery to roughly 50% and store it in a cool, dry place. If you store it at 100% or 0% for too long, the battery can start to lose its ability to hold a charge.

What Should You Do When Your iPhone Battery Needs to Be Replaced?

If your battery health has declined past the point of no return and your iPhone is struggling to maintain its power, you have a few options.

Get an Official Apple Battery Replacement

You can get a genuine Apple battery replacement service at Apple Stores and other Apple-authorized service providers. Battery replacements for most iPhones range from $69 to $99, depending on your specific model. If your iPhone is covered by AppleCare+, you may be eligible for a free battery replacement if your battery health no longer exceeds 80%.

Use a Third-Party Repair Service

If you’d rather not go through Apple, there are quite a few reputable third-party repair shops available, and they might offer battery replacements at a lower price point than Apple itself. That said, make sure they use genuine Apple batteries to avoid any compatibility problems.

Sell Your iPhone

If your iPhone is getting old and more than just the battery is wearing out, consider selling it at an ecoATM kiosk. We offer instant cash for used iPhones, even those with degraded batteries. Even if we won’t buy your iPhone, we’ll always accept it for recycling purposes, keeping it out of landfills.

Final Thoughts

An iPhone battery’s capacity typically starts to wear down after 1.5-2 years. However, with proper care, you can maximize your battery’s useful lifespan and delay the need to replace it. By avoiding extreme temperatures, optimizing your charging habits, and reducing apps’ ability to drain power, you can get the most out of your iPhone’s battery.

If your battery health drops below 80% or you experience significant performance issues, you should consider replacing it through Apple or a high-quality third-party service. Or, if you’re ready to upgrade, selling your iPhone at an ecoATM kiosk is a cost-effective way to transition to a newer model.

Simply bring your phone to one of our 6,000+ conveniently located kiosks, let the kiosk run diagnostic checks on your device, and walk away with cash in hand! Or, if you prefer, we can provide payment to your PayPal or Venmo account.

Whether you choose to repair, replace, or recycle your iPhone, understanding how Apple’s batteries work can help you maximize its longevity and peak performance capability.