How To Keep Your iPhone Battery Health at 100%

It’s no secret that iPhones, while renowned for their performance and ecosystem, often face criticism for one particular shortcoming: battery life. IPhones sometimes fall short in endurance compared to many high-end Android counterparts, leaving users scrambling for a charger by the end of the day.

But why does this disparity exist? And more importantly, what can you do to get the most out of your iPhone’s battery? In this article, we’ll explore the factors contributing to the iPhone’s battery performance and how it compares to leading Android devices. We will also share practical tips to help you extend its lifespan, preserving your iPhone's battery health.

Every day, seemingly small habits can whittle away at your battery life. Factors like temperature changes, the number of charge cycles, and even how you charge your phone can gradually eat into your battery's lifespan. This can lead to more frequent encounters with the dreaded 'low battery' alert than you'd like.

Apple introduced the Battery Health feature to offer iPhone users transparency about their battery's state. It's a real game-changer for those who want to stay on top of our device's well-being. High battery capacity isn't just about less time tethered to a charger. It also means your iPhone won't slow down because of an old, tired battery. It's all about keeping your iPhone running smoothly and efficiently.

Battery life for iPhones and Android phones varies depending on the model and the test, but here are some general comparisons:

Battery Capacity

Android phones often have larger batteries than iPhones. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 5,000 mAh battery, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max battery has a 4,685 mAh. However, the difference in battery capacity between iPhones and Androids has been shrinking in recent years.

Battery Life

Historically, iPhones have had better battery life than Android phones. However, some recent tests show that Android phones may have better battery life than iPhones. For example, in the test reported by YahooTech, the Samsung Galaxy S24 lasted 2 hours and 43 minutes longer than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Charging Speed

Android phones charge faster than iPhones. For example, a Samsung phone can fully charge in a little over an hour, while an iPhone takes about an hour and a half.

Battery Degradation

iPhones tend to retain their value better than Android phones, meaning their batteries don't degrade as much, and their performance doesn't reduce as fast.

Battery Life of Specific Models

Some iPhone models with great battery life include the iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone 11.

iPhones generally feature smaller batteries than flagship Android phones due to their slim design. Apple optimizes performance and power efficiency to make up for the difference, but this approach doesn’t always equal the larger capacities seen in Android devices.

Moreover, Apple’s processors, displays, and features like ProMotion can consume significant power. While they offer a superior experience, they demand more from the battery.

Lastly, let’s consider iOS optimization. IOS is praised for its efficiency, background app activity, constant connectivity, and features like widgets, but this can drain the battery faster if not managed properly.

It has become common knowledge that an iPhone battery is in good health if its maximum capacity is 80% or higher, Apple confirms. You can check your iPhone's battery health by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

Here are some other things to know about iPhone battery health:

• The battery's maximum capacity decreases over time, which means you'll get fewer hours between charges.

• If your iPhone's battery health drops below 80% within the warranty period, Apple will replace the battery.

• You might notice a significant drop in performance when your battery health is between 75% and 60%. Other signs that it might be time to replace the battery include frequent app crashes or frame drops, or lower screen-on-time.

• A lithium-ion iPhone battery typically holds up to 500 charge cycles or about two years. One charge cycle is completed when you've used 100% of the battery's capacity.

1. Adjusting Display Settings

The vibrant, high-resolution screen on your iPhone is a power hog. A few tweaks go a long way to conserve battery. Start by adjusting the brightness—keeping it at reasonable levels, enabling auto-brightness, and even considering 'Reduce White Point' indoors.

2. Managing Background App Refresh

While it's convenient for apps to stay updated without your intervention, it's not the most efficient battery use. Head to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and pick and choose which apps need this feature enabled. Focus on critical apps to minimize battery drain.

3. Optimizing Battery Usage

iOS allows you to manage your iPhone's battery life by showing how much battery each app uses. To see this, go to Settings > Battery.

You can also adjust the following settings:

• Location and Background Location: The app is using location services. You can save battery by turning off Location Services in Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
• Home & Lock Screen: Your Home or Lock screen was displayed. If an app sends too many notifications, causing the screen to wake up often, you can turn off its notifications in Settings > Notifications.
• No Cell Coverage and Low Signal: Your device is searching for a signal or has been used in a low-signal area. To save battery, turn on Airplane mode from the Control Center.
  
  

4. Avoiding Extreme Temperatures

iPhones perform best at temperatures between 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C). Exposure to hot or cold environments can degrade battery performance. On days when the weather is less forgiving, keep your iPhone within these operational temperatures for the best battery health.

5. Limiting Battery-Draining Features

Bluetooth, location services, and push notifications can accelerate battery drainage, especially when they are active in large numbers. Periodic reviews of your settings can help you manage what's necessary and not, preserving valuable power along the way.

6. Plug and Switch On Computer

If you're charging your iOS device using a USB connected to your computer, ensure the computer is powered on and plugged in. If your device is hooked up to a computer that's switched off or in sleep mode, your device's battery could end up draining.

7. Switch On Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode was introduced with iOS 9 as a simple way to extend the life of your iPhone's battery when it is running low. Your iPhone will alert you when your battery level drops to 20% and again at 10%, offering you the option to switch on Low Power Mode with just one tap. Alternatively, you can activate it by navigating to Settings > Battery.

When Low Power Mode is on, your display brightness dims, your device performance is optimized, and system animations are minimized. Certain apps, like Mail, won't download content in the background, and features such as AirDrop, iCloud sync, and Continuity get temporarily disabled.

Don't worry, you can still use essential functions like making and receiving phone calls, sending and receiving emails and messages, browsing the web, and more. As soon as your phone charges back up, Low Power Mode automatically turns off.

The secret to keeping your iPhone battery in great shape goes down to your habits. It's a good idea to maintain your iPhone's battery level between 20% and 80% and avoid letting it fully drain if you can help it. Also, getting friendly with Apple's 'optimized battery charging' feature can be a lifeline in dodging unnecessary charge cycles and making your battery last longer.

Apple often rolls out software updates, including tweaks to boost power efficiency and extend battery life. So, keeping your iPhone updated for its overall well-being is a good move.

If you currently own the latest iPhone, 15 or 16, we recommend using a MagSafe thin iPhone case when charging wirelessly for secure attachment without compromising style and protection. Check out this review from Forbes TechReviews: