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In a rather surprising development, Apple has revealed that its latest iPhones have better batteries than the previous models. Over the years, the company has put in a lot of research and development to increase the overall battery life of its iPhones. While this resulted in longer usage hours on a charge, the overall lifespan was stuck at 500 charge cycles for generations. However, that changes with the iPhone 15.
The Batteries In iPhone 15 Models Can Last Twice As Long
As mentioned earlier, iPhone 14 and older models are rated to hold 80 percent of the original battery capacity after 500 charge cycles. At launch, the iPhone 15 models had the same rating as well. However, after an update on February 20, 2024, the battery and performance support page mentions otherwise.
It now reads that “Batteries of iPhone 15 models are designed to retain 80 percent of their original capacity at 1000 complete charge cycles under ideal conditions.” The company told MacRumors that the latest testing for iPhone 15 models unveiled this revelation. Apple also adds that it has continuously improved the iPhone’s battery components and power management system.
What Does This Mean For iPhone 15 Users?
Moreover, iPhone 15 users should rest assured that their smartphone will retain its maximum charging capacity for longer. The battery will age, but at a slower rate than the iPhone 14 and older models. It’s important to mention here that Apple has tested the iPhone 15 in specific conditions. Nonetheless, this comes as good news for iPhone 15 buyers.
Apple is also investigating the battery lifespan of older models, such as the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 13, and might update their maximum lifespan shortly.
Additional Battery Information Options Coming With iOS 17.4
Apart from the increased battery lifespan, Apple has also announced that with iOS 17.4 on iPhone 15 models, users can see additional battery information in the Battery Health option. To view the settings, users must go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Here, they’ll find additional options like Battery Health status, Maximum Capacity, Cycle Count, Manufacture Date, and First Use.
All the options help users determine whether something is wrong with their iPhone’s battery and get a replacement in time. The Battery Health option, for instance, informs whether the battery is performing as expected. The Maximum Capacity metric informs about the current charge-holding capacity of the battery and where it stands relative to the original capacity.
Further, the Cycle Count option tells users how many times they have used up 100 percent (or a normalized percentage between 80 to 100 percent) of the battery. The Manufacture Date and First Use options help the service center understand the chronological age of the battery and whether it remains under warranty.
Is There An External Motivation Behind Retesting The iPhone 15’s Battery Lifespan?
Even though the change will benefit millions of users, it seems odd that Apple won’t announce something like this at its launch event. Had it made any significant technology improvements, those would have been a part of the iPhone 15’s keynote presentation. Yes, it advertised longer battery life on a single charge but didn’t mention the increased lifespan. This could mean that the company has changed specific metrics in its testing, but no information is available about it.
The European Union will start assigning smartphone and tablet manufacturers a grade based on their energy efficiency and battery longevity. This Energy Labelling system will come into place in June 2025. Further, the grades assigned will range from A to G. Check out the complete list of EU requirements below.
- Resistance to accidental drops or scratches.
- Protection from dust and water.
- Durable batteries that can withstand at least 800 charge cycles while retaining at least 80 percent of their original capacity.
- Oblogaytion for producers to make critical spare parts available within five to 10 working years and for seven years after the end of the last unit’s market placement.
- Availability of the operating system for at least five years from the last unit’s market placement.
Given that Apple gave in to the EU’s requirement of using a USB-C port and allowing sideloading for users in the EU, it seems the company has retested the iPhone 15’s battery capacity to meet the Energy Labelling requirements. Nonetheless, the longer-lasting iPhone 15 models will benefit users in all regions.
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