A complete analysis of why iPhone batteries die. Well, how to prevent this

It’s time to accept that the battery inside the iPhone is a consumablewhich needs to be changed periodically. With plus or minus active collection, he will live for 2 or 3 years, no more.

This applies not only to the iPhone or other Apple mobile devices, but also to gadgets from other companies. The batteries inside them choose chemical aging, an approximation that depends on the number of recharge cycles and user mode.

It is impossible to stop the process of chemical aging, but it will be possible to slow it down. Specifically, this, as well as other nuances of iPhone batteries, will be discussed further.

1. How big are the batteries in the latest iPhones?

The larger the iPhone, the more powerful the battery.

Apple does not provide official battery capacity data for its smartphones. However, this does not prevent enthusiasts from disassembling them and testing them “for durability”.

On some (not all models), the batteries inside iPhone typically consume Wh.

To convert it to the usual mAh used by other manufacturers, the value must be divided by 3.7 (significant average voltage in Volts) and multiplied by 1000 to convert from Ah¹.

conditional calculation principle, so the values ​​will not be exact². However, to orient, they are enough.

Battery capacity of modern iPhone models:

▪ iPhone X: 2716 mAh (10.05 Wh)

▪ iPhone XR: 2942 mAh (10.89 Wh)
▪ iPhone XS: 2659 mAh (9.84 Wh)
▪ iPhone XS Max: 3179 mAh (11.76 Wh)

▪ iPhone 11: 3110 mAh (11.51 Wh)
▪ iPhone 11 Pro: 3046 mAh (11.27 Wh)
▪ iPhone 11 Pro Max: 3969 mAh (14.69 Wh)

▪ iPhone 12: 2775 mAh (10.27 Wh)
▪ iPhone 12 mini: 2227 mAh (8.24 Wh)
▪ iPhone 12 Pro: 2775 mAh (10.27 Wh)
▪ iPhone 12 Pro Max: 3687 mAh (13.64 Wh)

▪ iPhone SE (2020): 1821 mAh (6.74 Wh)

▪ iPhone 13: 3227 mAh (11.94 Wh)
▪ iPhone 13 mini: 2406 mAh (8.9 Wh)
▪ iPhone 13 Pro: 3095 mAh (11.45 Wh)
▪ iPhone 13 Pro Max: 4352 mAh (16.1 Wh)

▪ iPhone SE (2022): 2018 mAh (7.47 Wh)

▪ iPhone 14: 3279 mAh (12.13 Wh)
▪ iPhone 14 Plus: 4325 mAh (16 Wh)
▪ iPhone 14 Pro: 3200 mAh (11.84 Wh)
▪ iPhone 14 Pro Max: 4323 mAh (16 Wh)

¹ – The reverse procedure was used in the calculation of consumption, so the tested battery capacity in Wh may differ from the typical one.
² – batteries do not produce a constant voltage, and it may differ from external conditions, therefore, the average estimated value is taken for calculations.

2. iPhone uses aging lithium batteries

Batteries degrade rapidly and require periodic replacement.

To cut a long story short, the lithium battery inside every iPhone consists of a positively charged anode and a negatively charged cathode, which are separated by an electrolyte.

During the operation of the smartphone, charged lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte. This releases electrons that power the mobile device. After that, they return to the cathode, completing the circuit.

When the iPhone is charging, the reverse process occurs: the electrons from the conditional power supply fall on nitrogen and move towards the cathode.

These chemical reactions can hardly be called perfectbecause they lead to the release of heat and wear of the batteries.

Lithium shows its properties, the plates on both sides of the electrolyte are rounded, which leads to a reduction in their usable area. Thus, the chemical aging of the batteries occurs, they degrade and eventually leave the structure.

3. What is the battery life inside any iPhone

Battery capacity is charged from charge to charge

Assessing the battery health Apple suggests focusing on the frequency of connecting to power sources.

In case of iPhone we are talking about 500 full recharge cycles.

In theory, after reaching the value of the maximum capacity of the battery will fall below 80%, it will stop supplying voltage for the involved operation of the smartphone. The latter will be especially noticeable in winter.

However, in practice, after 849 recharge cycles, my iPhone 11 battery health is at 84% (∼2650 out of 3110 mAh), which is required and defined in the iOS tools (Settings → Battery → Battery Health), and Mac app CocoBattery.

I think in my case the iPhone battery will live even up to 1000 recharge cycles

As personal practice shows, up to 80% of the battery in the iPhone can be “finished off” in 2 or 3 years. It depends on how much you use your smartphone and how you use it.

After that, it can be replaced in any regular service.

4. What else happened to battery life in the future iPhone

Optimized charging is also used with MagSafe

Charging optimization. When the battery level is between 80-100%, it wears out more.

That is why Apple came up with smart metered charging, which does not include energy levels above 80%, such a device does not need to be used. This is especially true if you leave your iPhone connected to the network at night.

Optimized charging for Apple smartphones is the default. You can disable it in the menu “Settings” → “Battery”.

Outside of overnight charging, it’s best not to constantly charge your iPhone to 100%.

When the device is not in use, the charge of its battery should be at the level of 20-80%. Sometimes turn on your iPhone and recharge.

When the temperature of the iPhone goes off scale, it displays a warning on the display

Temperature regime. iPhone is best used at temperatures between 0 and 35℃. This will help increase the life of the lithium battery inside it.

However, it is important to understand that the rise in temperature of the stock properties is not only environmental conditions, but also operation.

To keep the battery from overheating:
▪ iPhone is not visible in direct sunlight;
▪ do not run games while charging the gadget;
▪ do not abuse wireless charging;
▪ Do not load iPhone with extra thick cases;
▪ Do not override navigation when charging iPhone.

5. What are the best chargers to charge iPhone

Charging an iPhone with a wireless Qi sensor of unknown origin is a bad idea

In short, the most primitive a 5W power supply is considered the safest. It warms up the iPhone battery the least.

Here’s a brief breakdown:

▪ When charging the 5W unit, the smartphone heats up to 32℃.
▪ When charging 12W, 20W units and above, the temperature reaches 35℃ or more.
▪ When charging MagSafe, the temperature reaches the same 35℃ and above, but keeps the temperature of the smartphone for several hours.
▪ Non-certified Qi wireless stations can charge a smartphone for up to 6 hours and keep it warm all the time. This is the most destructive way of eating.

However, as practice shows, using fast chargingpower delivery compatible, not very criticalhow to ask.

When assembling technologies, the iPhone and the power supply literally “negotiate” about the power for charging right at the time it starts. Therefore, even a 100 W power supply does not give the smartphone more useful ~ 20 W.

In practice, fast charging will reduce battery life by literally a month at a distance of 3 years.

Wireless chargers are more difficult. It’s best to prioritize MagSafe-enabled options and respect unnamed Qi stations.

6. Random drop in battery value below 80%.

Devices with small capacity batteries turn off in the cold after a couple of years of use

In addition to iPhone battery life, this is also fraught with possible shutdowns.

The battery stops producing the required voltage when energized, so the device can be turned off so as not to harm the components.

You can also monitor the peak voltage in the battery status menu under “Settings” → “Battery”.

The shutdown problem usually only affects Apple smartphones with a small battery capacity. This is especially true for the iPhone SE.

However, replacing the battery after 2-3 years of using a smartphone does not cause too much interest.

What you need to know about iPhone batteries as briefly as possible

❶ Who has more battery? The maximum capacities today are in the iPhone 13 Pro Max (4352 mAh or 16.1 Wh) and iPhone 14 Pro Max (4323 mAh or 16 Wh). Minimum for iPhone SE (2018 mAh or 7.47 Wh for 2022 models).

❷ the battery is deteriorating. It’s all about chemical aging. The more you use your smartphone, the more often you have to change the battery.

❸ How long will the battery last. Officially, it can withstand 500 recharge cycles. In practice, it can work for 2-3 years and withstand up to 1000 cycles.

❹ How to prolong battery life. Observe the temperature regime and do not require constant loading up to 100%.

❺ What is the best way to charge iPhone. More reliable than the most natural 5W power supply. But it is quite possible to use an adapter that supports Power Delivery and MagSafe. manifestation of Qi is better not to try.

❻ If the charge level is below 80%. The autonomy of the iPhone will be lower and lower. Plus, it will start to turn off in the cold. But this only applies to gadgets with a small battery.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that the battery has long been a consumable. There is nothing difficult in replacing it. In the nearest service center it fruits very quickly and is not too expensive.