Your iPhone battery is dying again – familiar?
Your iPhone dies again. At 23% battery. In the middle of an important call. Sound familiar? Many iPhone users worry about their battery life, buy expensive power banks and chargers , or replace their devices after just two years.
But here's what no one tells you: most battery problems are perfectly normal . A battery that still has 80% capacity after two years is doing just fine. The problem isn't with the hardware, but with how iOS handles older batteries. Apple deliberately slows down your device to prevent sudden shutdowns—without you even realizing it. And just like your AirPods' lifespan diminishes over time, this is simply natural wear and tear.
The real question is: when should you really worry?
Useful links
- Refurbished iPhones with tested batteries
- Screen protectors for longer lifespan
- iPad collection for alternative devices
Check battery health in iOS
Checking your iPhone's battery health is surprisingly simple. Apple has included this feature since iOS 11.3, specifically for models from the iPhone 6 onwards. Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Here you'll find two important values: maximum capacity and peak performance status.
The maximum capacity indicates the percentage of battery capacity compared to when it was new. A value of 85% means your battery can still hold 85% of its original charge. This figure gradually decreases due to natural chemical aging – each charge cycle slightly damages the battery cells.
When is replacement necessary?
Apple recommends replacing batteries at 80% capacity or lower. However, this isn't a hard limit. Many users only experience problems below 75%. It depends on your usage pattern:
- Light user : email, messaging, browsing - often fine up to 70%
- Average user : social media, photos, navigation - noticeable from 75%
- Intensive user : gaming, video, hotspot - already difficult from 85%
Understanding performance management
Since the infamous iPhone slowdown in 2017, iOS has automatically applied performance management to aging batteries. This system prevents sudden shutdowns by limiting processor speed during peak load. You'll notice this in:
- Longer app startup times
- Lower framerates when scrolling
- Delayed camera opening
- Dimmed screen brightness
- Lower speaker volumes
Turn off the system
If your device is slowed down by performance management, you'll see an option to disable it. Go to Battery Health and tap "Disable." Note: This may cause unexpected shutdowns. The system will automatically restart after a sudden shutdown.
Practical tips for battery conservation
Extending your battery life starts with daily use. These adjustments really make a difference:
Optimizing charging habits:
- Charge between 20% and 80% for optimal chemical balance
- Avoid charging at night with a full battery
- Use optimized charging (automatic in iOS 13+)
- Choose original or MFi-certified chargers
Temperature management:
- Avoid use in direct sunlight
- Remove covers when charging in heat
- Store the device between 16-22°C if possible
- Prevent freezing in winter
Software settings:
- Activate automatic brightness
- Limit background app refresh
- Selectively disable location services
- Use Wi-Fi over mobile data where possible
- Turn off Bluetooth when not in use
When to choose refurbished?
A battery replacement costs around €75-95 at Apple. For older models like the iPhone 8 or X, a refurbished alternative may be more economical. These devices typically receive new batteries during the refurbishment process.
Advantages of refurbished versus repair:
- Warranty : full warranty on the complete device
- Upgrade : often a newer model for a comparable price
- Sustainability : circular economy, less e-waste
- Certainty : professionally tested on all components
Common misconceptions
There are some persistent myths about iPhone batteries. Time to debunk them:
"Closing apps saves battery" - Incorrect. iOS manages memory efficiently. Restarting apps actually uses more energy.
"Charge only at night" - Unnecessary. Modern lithium-ion batteries don't have a memory effect.
"Wireless charging damages the battery" - False, provided you use quality chargers. Heat generation is minimal.
"Drain the battery completely" - Harmful. Deep discharge accelerates degradation.
Future developments
Apple is working on several battery life innovations. The iPhone 15 series, for example, introduces an 80% charge limit option, similar to MacBooks. This limits the maximum charge for users who primarily charge at home.
Silicon nanothread technology promises a threefold longer lifespan within a few years. Until then, consciously managing your current battery remains the best strategy. Regularly monitor its condition, adjust your usage as needed, and consider timely replacement or upgrading to a refurbished model with a fresh battery.
Your iPhone battery isn't a mystery
Your iPhone battery isn't a mystery—it's just chemistry that slowly wears out. Regularly check your battery health in the settings and only worry if it's below 80% . Until then, small adjustments like charging it between 20-80% and avoiding extreme temperatures are sufficient.
Do you still notice a slowdown? Then iOS is probably using performance management to prevent sudden outages. For older devices, a refurbished iPhone with a new battery may be more cost-effective than a repair.
Remember: a battery that's still above 80% after two years is doing just fine – which is also what Apple is trying to sell.
