When Apple introduced the iPhone 15 last year, it introduced a new option in the battery settings: the ability to voluntarily limit the maximum recharge to 80%. The goal? To increase the battery’s longevity, avoiding stressing it with 100% complete charge cycles.
MacRumors performed a comparison test to understand how much this option impacts battery life.
The numbers: 12 months of use with 80% charge
The iPhone 15 Pro Max we tested currently has a battery at 94 percent of its maximum capacity after 299 charge cycles. For most of 2024, the battery level has remained stable above 97 percent, but it’s been declining more rapidly over the past two months.
In this year of testing, the 80% charge limit was never disabled, even when the battery was completely drained by mid-day. There were times when the tester found themselves without a charger, and had to carry a power bank with them to prevent the phone from turning off. Limiting the charge was not always convenient, especially on busy days, but overall the impact was not that significant.
One of the most pleasant surprises was when the iPhone, without warning, decided to charge itself completely up to 100%. This happens from time to time as part of the battery’s automatic calibration mechanism, a feature Apple uses to maintain battery health over time.
MacRumnors preferred to charge the iPhone via USB-C vs. MagSafewith a ratio of about 70% wired charging and 30% wireless. This is because wireless charging tends to heat up the phone more, and we know that temperature affects battery life. Another important factor is that the iPhone was rarely left charging for long periods, and most of the charging took place in a room at room temperature (about 22°C), a detail that can make a difference in battery longevity.
The data compared: did it really work?
To test out the results, MacRumors compared this battery to that of other staff members who own an iPhone 15 Pro Max, but without limiting the charge to 80%. Here’s some of the data collected on two of these iPhones:
- Current capacity: 87%, cycles: 329
- Current capacity: 90%, cycles: 271
Although the numbers are interesting, the difference is not that marked. With 299 charging cycles, the battery is always charged with a limit of 80%. it’s only 4% better compared to those who have exceeded 300 cycles without any charge limitation. This raises a question: Was it really worth it to limit the charge for an entire year?
Perhaps the real benefits of this limitation will be seen in the long run, maybe in two or three years, but after 12 months the difference is minimal. In short, after a year of testing, it certainly does not seem worth it, especially if you are used to changing iPhones every 12 or 24 months. In addition, Apple now also offers a 90% limit option, which could be a more balanced solution for many users, especially those with smaller battery capacities.
Looking at the numbers and everyday experience, we wonder if the risk is worth it. Limiting charging may seem like a good idea to preserve the battery, but if the results are so minimal, it may not be the best choice for everyone. The 90% option seems like a more sensible middle ground: it maintains a good autonomy without compromising battery life too much.
Furthermore, we cannot ignore the fact that daily battery life is a crucial factor for those who use their phone intensively. If you use your iPhone intensively during the day, the limitation to 80% may create some discomfort. On the other hand, it is possible that, over a longer period of time, the advantages become more evident.
What do you think? What is your experience with your iPhone battery? Let us know in the comments.
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Source: www.iphoneitalia.com
