Apple says the iPhone 15 battery is more durable than it originally thought
Apple has updated its expectations for the battery life of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, with the company saying it will deliver twice the previously-predicted charge cycles.
An iPhone battery charging chart
Battery capacity has always been a problem for iPhone users, with complaints raised by some claiming that their smartphone's battery isn't holding as much charge as they would expect over time. While Apple has previously outlined its expectations for how long a battery should last, it has now doubled its claim.
Apple says its batteries for iPhones are designed to hold up to 80% of their original capacity following 500 complete charge cycles, namely from full to empty. Now, Apple told 9to5Mac that the number of cycles the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are capable of retaining 80% of its charge for is 1,000 complete charging cycles.
The change in battery cycle lifespan is down to the iPhone being used in certain common use cases. Thanks to various improvements to components and its various power management systems, this has allowed Apple to make the change in cycle count.
It also only applies to the iPhone 15 generation of models, with earlier versions still rated to 500 cycles. Apple does say that older models are being checked to see if charge cycle data points are still correct.
Apple introduced new battery health controls in iOS 17 alongside the iPhone 15 launch, including an option to never charge the battery past 80%. The logic is that charging from 0% to 80% is relatively efficient, but the last 20% uses more energy and produces more heat, which can wear the battery down.
Users of the iPhone 15 can see the cycle count for their device by opening Settings then selecting Battery, followed by Battery Health.
It is likely that Apple will keep the higher cycle count for future iPhone releases, but the technology it will use could still change. One rumor claims Apple will use graphene to help reduce overheating issues.
Meanwhile a dubious leak claimed capacities in the iPhone 16 family will be lower than the iPhone 15.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
oh, yes, that’s right. Another one of those nudges to upgrade my hardware…
In any LiIon cell there are side reactions that accumulate over time; these side reactions progress more quickly at high states of charge, and at high temperature; that's why staying below 80% prolongs battery life.
But of course, the fact that Apple is willing to increase the claimed battery longevity for the 15-lineup is good news.
After searching online, I find that this is evidently only in iPhone 15, and iPhone 14 and below have to install a PowerUtil shortcut to view.
Now for silicon-carbon and graphene (although for some reason I thought graphene was already being used). Maybe this year.
Still listed at 100% capacity and I too purchased it pretty early on after release. Historically, by this time, my iPhone would have dropped a % or two.
Just use the phone like a normal person for a couple of years, then trade it in for a new one. Never look at nor think about the battery once the entire time.
While I agree with your course of action (I honestly do not and will not worry about battery longevity), it is still good they added this feature, for those who don’t often replace their device and want to squeeze every ounce out of it. Again, so much for the conspiracy theories on forced upgrades and similar nonsense.
Just when people were running their phones for longer on average, more use meant using more cycles, more quickly and bang! Apple got hit.
The solution was also very poorly communicated to users too. Add to that that Apple had idea that it was best not to be clear on battery capacities etc and it was like a double whammy.
And all that on mostly 5W chargers (almost trickle charging by today's standards).
Since then Apple has pulled its finger out somewhat when it comes to batteries and charging but still lags.
That said, what's not to like about seeing your battery cycle count doubled?
I use and abuse my phone, 66W fast charging included. If I'm overnight charging (which is almost never) I have it set to reach 80% and trickle charge the rest.
The thing is that ultra fast charging means you are in complete control and can pull the plug in a very short space of time.
Official Battery replacement only costs 29€ so I don't have to worry about that. iPhone replacement batteries can be relatively costly so some users may want to try to squeeze as much out of them with little effort.