JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes about tips that help iPhone users extend battery life and get the most out of their devices
As we increasingly rely on our iPhones to navigate the world, it is easy to take their batteries for granted. A battery is a feat of engineering, packed with innovative technology that powers our mobile lives.
iPhone batteries utilise lithium-ion technology, a significant upgrade from older battery types. Lithium-ion offers faster charging, longer battery life, and higher power density, making it an ideal choice for mobile devices.
All rechargeable batteries are consumables and have a limited lifespan—eventually, their capacity and performance decline, necessitating replacement.
A developer specialising in iPhone technology, Steve Fisher, emphasised, “Rechargeable batteries are, ultimately, consumable. They don’t last forever.”
Fisher advised users to generally expect a battery degradation rate of 10–12 per cent per year, which could be higher for models like the iPhone mini due to their smaller batteries.
Fisher explained that batteries showing less degradation might be over-capacity batteries. “It’s degrading anyway; it’s just still over what’s considered 100 per cent,” he added.
However, if users notice more significant degradation, it means the battery will need to be replaced sooner. “If you see more degradation… well, you will have to replace the battery earlier, that’s all,” Fisher concluded.
According to Apple, “battery life” is the amount of time a device runs before it needs to be recharged, while “battery lifespan” is the amount of time a battery lasts until it needs to be replaced.
A battery’s lifespan is related to its “chemical age,” which includes factors such as the number of charge cycles and how it was cared for.
Apple advises users to keep the iPhone half-charged when stored for the long term and to avoid charging or leaving the iPhone in hot environments, including direct sun exposure, for extended periods.
Batteries are constantly decaying from the moment they are manufactured, a tech expert simply known as Zodex said on Quora.
The rec expert revealed that batteries are in a state of constant decay and that a battery that appears to have 100 per cent health after over a year is likely due to luck rather than careful maintenance.
Heat is the worst enemy of batteries, causing rapid degradation, Zodex said.
To prolong battery life, users should avoid using their phones in direct sunlight, playing games while charging, and fast charging, which apply extra stress to the battery.
Digify CEO Yiorgos Pappas identified 3G and 4G internet connectivity as the primary causes of battery drain in smartphones.
“Carrier 3G/4G service is the main culprit behind rapid battery depletion,” Pappas said. “Disabling this feature when in the Wi-Fi range can significantly extend battery life.”
Pappas also noted that resource-intensive activities like gaming can quickly drain batteries. He recommended adjusting settings like screen timeout and inactivity shutdown to optimize battery performance.
Batteries naturally degrade over time, with factory model batteries typically lasting around 4-5 years before capacity drops significantly. If a battery frequently loses charge from 100 per cent to 30 per cent suddenly, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan and require replacement.
Software developer Callidus Auctor cautioned against obsessing over iPhone battery health percentages, saying they are only estimates and unnecessary to monitor until issues arise.
“Don’t waste time babysitting your battery’s health percentage,” Auctor advised. “Only when your battery malfunctions or no longer holds a charge as expected should you consider a replacement.”
Auctor emphasised that authentic Apple batteries installed by authorized technicians ensure optimal performance, warning that cheaper aftermarket alternatives may not meet the same standards.
“You get what you pay for,” he said. “Wait until your battery needs replacement, then opt for a genuine Apple battery installed by a qualified professional.”
He said the minute they (the iPhone battery) leave the factory, they all start degrading.
“Due to fluctuations in the mass production manufacturing process and differences in usage, including environmental factors and usage patterns, some batteries age faster than others. Nothing in this world is perfect. That is just a cold, hard fact of life. Even the best battery on this planet can’t defy the laws of physics,” he stated.
Adjust screen brightness
There are simple ways to preserve battery life, regardless of how you use your device.
Dim the screen or turn on auto-brightness to extend battery life. To dim, open the Control Center and drag the brightness slider to the bottom.
Turn off location services
You can optimize your battery life by turning off location services for apps. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. In Location Services, you can see each app listed with its permission setting. Apps that recently used location services have an indicator next to the on/off switch.
Don’t force-quit apps
Resist the temptation to force-quit apps regularly. Instead, let them run in the background. Launching apps from scratch consumes more battery power. The app switcher is designed to close unresponsive apps or those you seldom use.