Apple Expands Battery Lifespan for New iPhones in Response to EU Regulations

Apple has made a significant update to the battery lifespan of its latest iPhones. The company announced on Tuesday that the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be able to retain 80 percent of their original charging capacity after 1,000 cycles. This doubles the previous estimate provided by Apple without any need for new hardware or software updates.

This change comes just in time for upcoming EU regulations that aim to assign an energy grade to smartphones’ battery longevity. Starting from June 2025, smartphone and tablet manufacturers operating in the EU will be assigned a grade ranging from A to G, which will indicate their energy efficiency, battery longevity, protection against dust and water, and resistance to accidental drops.

To meet the battery longevity requirements of the EU regulations, smartphones must be able to withstand at least 800 charging cycles while retaining at least 80 percent of their original capacity. As a result, Apple decided to retest the long-term health of its devices’ batteries and found that the new iPhones exceeded the previous estimate, leading to the update in their support documents.

Apple explained that the increased estimate was achieved through continuous improvements to its battery components and iOS power management. The company conducted rigorous testing, subjecting the batteries to 1,000 charge and discharge cycles under specific conditions to ensure accuracy. These conditions mirrored common usage patterns experienced by iPhone users.

For older iPhone models released before 2023, the original estimate of retaining 80 percent capacity after 500 charge cycles still stands. However, Apple has expressed intentions to review whether the estimates for older models need to be updated.

In terms of battery maintenance, Apple advises users to keep their phones within temperatures ranging from 62 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit whenever possible. It is recommended to avoid charging or leaving the device in hot environments exceeding 95 degrees, as well as minimizing direct sun exposure. Additionally, when storing an old iPhone for an extended period, it is best to leave it with a fifty percent charge.

Furthermore, Apple plans to relocate one of the essential battery metrics in iOS settings. The battery cycle count, introduced in iOS 17 and currently located under Settings > General > About, will find a more logical home under Battery Health in the upcoming iOS 17.4 update, currently in beta testing. This change aims to provide users with easier access to monitor their device’s battery health and performance.

With these updates, Apple demonstrates its commitment to meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the longevity and efficiency of its iPhone batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the battery lifespan update for Apple’s latest iPhones?
A: Apple announced that the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max will retain 80 percent charging capacity after 1,000 cycles.

Q: How does this update compare to the previous estimate?
A: This update doubles the previous estimate provided by Apple without requiring any new hardware or software updates.

Q: Why did Apple make this update?
A: This update is in response to upcoming EU regulations that will assign an energy grade to smartphones’ battery longevity.

Q: What are the battery longevity requirements for smartphones under the EU regulations?
A: Smartphones must withstand at least 800 charging cycles while retaining at least 80 percent of their original capacity.

Q: How did Apple achieve the increased estimate for battery longevity?
A: Apple improved its battery components and iOS power management, conducting rigorous testing to ensure accuracy.

Q: What is the temperature range recommended for iPhone battery maintenance?
A: Apple recommends keeping iPhones within temperatures of 62 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot environments exceeding 95 degrees should be avoided.

Q: What is the recommended charge level when storing an old iPhone for an extended period?
A: It is best to leave an old iPhone with a fifty percent charge when storing it for an extended period.

Q: Where will the battery cycle count be located in iOS settings?
A: The battery cycle count will be relocated to the Battery Health section in the upcoming iOS 17.4 update.

Q: What is the purpose of relocating the battery cycle count in iOS settings?
A: This change aims to provide users with easier access to monitor their device’s battery health and performance.

Key Terms and Jargon:

– Battery longevity: The lifespan or durability of a battery, referring to how well it retains its capacity over time.

– Energy efficiency: A measure of how effectively energy is used, typically comparing the amount of energy input to the desired output.

– Battery cycle: A complete charge and discharge of a battery. Each cycle contributes to the overall wear and capacity loss of the battery.

– EU regulations: Refers to regulations set by the European Union, governing various aspects of products, services, and operations within member countries.

– Beta testing: The process of testing software or updates in a real-world environment with a limited group of users before a wider release.

Related links:

Apple (Official website of Apple)
Apple Batteries (Information about batteries on Apple’s official website)

The source of the article is from the blog yanoticias.es