Apple releases key battery update revealing iPhone users on this list have longer life

Apple has revealed some iPhone users' batteries are a lot more durable than first anticipated.

A group of iPhone users were left less than content after splashing out on their devices only to find when they updated to the latest Apple software at the time, their battery life seemingly ended up being drained.

Thankfully, the iPhones involved in the debacle are now in for a treat.

When the iOS 17.1 update was released on 26 October, iPhone users rejoiced at the ability to AirDrop items over cell connection not just WiFi and being able to add more 'favorites' on Apple Music, resulting in better recommendations.

However, the stick to the carrot ended up being that a bunch of iPhone users appeared to end up with a compromised battery life, reporting that after they'd installed the latest software update they experienced 'drained' power.

"Worst experience ever this year, after updating to iOS 17.1 my iPhone battery is draining like crazy. WTF is happening to Apple?!" one user said.

The issue led to people questioning whether it was their phone's hardware and titanium frame that was causing overheating and subsequent battery damage, however, Apple maintained it was software and app-related bugs and released iOS 17.1.1 to make various 'bug fixes'.

And now, as luck would have it, the group of iPhone users who were facing battery troubles are now going to feel some battery jubilation.

Having updated its 'iPhone Battery and Performance' page on its site earlier this week (20 February), Apple notes: "All rechargeable batteries are consumables and have a limited lifespan - eventually their capacity and performance decline such that they need to be replaced."

And iPhone 15 users who were raising concerns about their battery life post iOS update can rest a little easier.

When the phone was first released 9to5Mac quotes Apple saying that after 500 complete charge cycles it should retain up to 80 percent of its original capacity.

Now, Apple has revealed that after conducting certain tests, the iPhone 15 should retain up to 80 percent of its original lifespan at a whopping 1,000 complete charge cycles - double it's initial prediction - although it adds this is 'under ideal conditions' of course.

And by the iPhone 15, it means the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

But why has iPhone 15's predicted battery life been increased?

Well, that part is a bit more mysterious, but The Verge noted that the wording on Apple's website has been changed from 'normal' to 'ideal' conditions.

They explained: "We’re not exactly sure if the batteries have gotten that much better — or if Apple has just changed how it talks about and tests them."

For those of you with earlier models, the website states: "Batteries of iPhone 14 models and earlier are designed to retain 80 percent of their original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles under ideal conditions."

However, Apple is looking into older models now too to see if they actually exceed previous expectations as well.

It adds: "With all models, the exact capacity percentage depends on how the devices are regularly used and charged."

In order to check your charge cycle count, you go to your Settings app, then click on Battery, go to Battery Health & Charging and then have a look at the percentage next to Maximum Capacity.

UNILAD has contacted Apple for comment.

Topics: Apple, News, Technology, World News, iPhone

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.