Apple has been working hard to address the issue of premature battery wear in iPhones, a problem that has plagued users for years. One of the main ways they have tackled this issue is through overcharging prevention. Lithium-ion batteries can be damaged by overcharging, leading to the production of metallic lithium and posing a fire hazard. By limiting the charge to 80%, the risk of damage from overcharging is significantly reduced.
With the introduction of iOS 13, Apple launched Optimized Battery Charging, a technology aimed at extending the lifespan of the iPhone battery by reducing the time it spends fully charged. Using on-device machine learning, the technology learns the user’s charging routine and holds the charge at 80%, only completing the charge to 100% shortly before the user typically unplugs their phone.
iOS 17 introduced an 80% charge limit option, where charging would stop at 80% and only resume when the charge level hit 75%. Periodically, the battery is charged to 100% to ensure accurate information about the battery’s health and capacity. Now, with the release of iOS 18, the operating system takes a more hands-on approach to improving battery life by recommending a specific charging limit to users through a notification.
The latest iOS offers new charging options of 85%, 90%, and 95% to choose from. The charge limit recommendation can be found in the Settings app under Battery > Charging. This new feature aims to help users make informed decisions about their charging habits. In the example provided, the iOS 18 beta suggests setting the limit at 85%.
But why not stick to the 80% limit for optimal battery health? While limiting the charge to 80% is considered the best option for long-term battery health, the compromise to allow higher charging limits makes users happier. Not everyone is comfortable with a 20% cut in battery capacity, and newer batteries can handle more charging cycles than older ones.
The sensitivity to overcharging and wear increases with the age of the battery, making older batteries more susceptible to damage from being pushed too hard. This charge limit feature in iOS 18 is currently available only on the iPhone 15 lineup and is not showing up for older models. Hopefully, Apple will roll out this feature to older handsets, as it can help extend the life of older hardware.
In conclusion, Apple’s efforts to improve battery life in iPhones through software updates and new features like charging limit recommendations are aimed at providing users with a better experience and prolonging the lifespan of their devices. Users are advised to consider the recommendations and choose a charging limit that suits their needs and preferences.