Unraveling iPhone Battery Troubles: When to Swap That Power Pack
iPhone Battery Problems: Recognizing when it's time for a battery replacement - Signs of a Faulty iPhone Battery: Identifying When a Replacement is Necessary
Let's face it, we all rely on our smartphones - texting, snapping, scrolling, and socializing - it's a non-stop affair. But, as our devices age, their batteries can't keep up. Apple offers a battery replacement service, even for free in certain cases. So, how do you know if it's time for a battery upgrade on your iPhone? Here's the deal.
Is it time for a new iPhone battery?
An upgraded battery means prolonged battery life, no more constant plugging in or power bank dependance, and possibly improved performance - especially for older models like the iPhone 8 or iPhone XS. But, this is only beneficial if the battery is truly worn out.
Check the health of your battery in the Settings app. Navigate to Batteries > Battery Health. If it says "Service" next to "Battery Health", you've got a clear sign: Your battery needs replacing. Regardless, selecting "Battery Health" provides more deets.
Pay attention to the maximum capacity. Apple tells you how much energy your battery can hold, relayed in a percentage compared to the original maximum capacity. If it's above 80%, your battery's good, and your device should still perform well without issues. If it's below 80%, Apple recommends battery replacement, as your iPhone can't deliver its full potential.
The number of charge cycles is also relevant: Apple's batteries are designed to last at least 500-1000 charge cycles, still maintaining at least 80% of their original capacity. If your iPhone's battery is suffering significantly despite fewer cycles, it might indicate a defect.
Repair Costs for Different iPhone Models
If your iPhone really needs repair, reach out to Apple. They offer in-store or third-party repairs, or you can send in your device. If your device is still under warranty or covered by Apple Care+, the repair is free - as long as the battery health is below 80%. Otherwise, the repair costs range from €99 to €135, depending on the model. You can get a quote here. Bear in mind that Apple might refuse repair if your device shows other damage. In that case, you'll need to mend any existing issues, like a cracked screen, first, which could bump up the costs.
Naturally, you can also replace the battery at third-party providers. However, this could mean utilizing non-original parts. If they use original parts, the costs might even surpass Apple's.
Prolonging Your iPhone Battery's Life
Modern smartphones, like the iPhone, utilize various tricks to preserve their batteries. One notable feature is "intelligent charging," which significantly helps in extending battery life. The last few percentage points of charge put the most stress on the battery, so keeping your device plugged in for too long can damage it. Intelligent charging remembers your regular charging routine and charges the device up to 80% only, then pauses. It restarts charging to 100% just before your usual charging period ends, say right before your wake-up time. This feature is automatically enabled on the iPhone and can be found in the battery settings.
For more tips on charging Apple devices correctly, check this out.
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- iPhone 8
- The iPhone 8, like other iPhones, may need a battery upgrade as the device ages, causing decreased battery life and performance.
- If you notice that your iPhone's battery health, as seen in the Settings app, says "Service" next to "Battery Health" or if its maximum capacity is below 80%, it's a sign that the battery needs replacing.
- Prolonging the life of your iPhone battery can be achieved by utilizing features like "intelligent charging," which is a built-in safety measure that helps avoid damaging the battery by keeping it from overcharging.

