Apple has upgraded the battery lifespan of the latest iPhone 15 models. On Tuesday, the tech giant proclaimed that its most recent iPhones have an ability to preserve 80 percent of their initial charging capacity post 1,000 cycles, which is two times the former estimate from the firm. This change does not involve any new hardware or software enhancements. Significantly, this amendment will be implemented promptly for the new EU guidelines that will rate the energy grade of smartphones based on their battery durability.
Previously, Apple mentioned in its online support content that iPhone batteries could hold 80 percent of their initial full charge after 500 cycles. However, upon retesting the long-term battery health of its 2023 models – the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, it discovered that these devices can maintain 80 percent capacity even after 1,000 cycles. Apple said that it will modify its support content on Tuesday to showcase this new data.
The tech giant’s testing involved charging and depleting the batteries 1,000 times under defined conditions and an array of tests representing common usages. The firm attributes this escalated estimate without any physical or software alterations to the continual upgradation of its battery components and iOS power management abilities.
For iPhones released before 2023, the initial estimate of maintaining 80 percent capacity after 500 charge cycles still applies, at least for now. Apple is considering reviewing the estimates for these older models.
From June 2025 onwards, smartphone and tablet producers operating in the EU will be allotted a grade (A to G) representing their energy efficiency, battery durability, and resistance against dust, water, and accidental drops. The battery durability part of the grade needs at least 800 charging cycles while maintaining a minimum of 80 percent of the initial capacity. This requirement explains why Apple decided to retest the long-term health of its devices.
For optimal battery durability, Apple advises keeping your device within a temperature range of 62 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit when feasible. This involves avoiding charging or leaving your handset in hot environments (95 degrees or warmer) and minimizing direct sun exposure. Storing an idle iPhone with half of its battery charge is also recommended.
Furthermore, Apple will relocate one of your phone’s critical battery metrics to another section of the iOS settings. Starting from iOS 17.4, which is currently in beta, the battery cycle count will shift from Settings > General > About to a more intuitive position under Battery Health (found under Settings > Battery). The battery cycle count was initially introduced to the mobile software in iOS 17, launched in the previous fall.
