How Long Does an iPhone Battery Last?
Quick Answer
An iPhone battery lasts about 3–5 years before it needs replacing, retaining 80% of its capacity through roughly 500–1,000 full charge cycles. On a single charge, most iPhones run 15–29 hours of video playback.
Duration by Type
Retains ~80% capacity through this period.
Pro Max models are at the high end.
Quick Answer
An iPhone battery typically lasts 3–5 years, or about 500–1,000 complete charge cycles, before its capacity drops enough to warrant a replacement. Apple designs its batteries to retain 80% of their original capacity after 500 cycles on older models and up to 1,000 cycles on iPhone 15 and later. On a single charge, an iPhone lasts most people a full day of mixed use.
Two Meanings of "How Long"
People ask this question two ways: how long the battery lasts on one charge, and how long the battery lasts over its lifespan. Both matter, so here are the numbers for each.
| Measure | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single charge (video playback) | 15–29 hours | Varies by model; Pro Max models last longest |
| Single charge (typical mixed use) | ~1 day | Calls, apps, browsing, some video |
| Battery lifespan | 3–5 years | Before replacement is recommended |
| Charge cycles to 80% health | 500–1,000 | 1,000 on iPhone 15 and newer |
What a Charge Cycle Is
One charge cycle equals using 100% of your battery's capacity—not necessarily in a single charge. Charging from 30% to 80% twice, for example, counts as one full cycle. Most people complete roughly one cycle per day, so 500 cycles works out to well over a year of daily use before meaningful degradation begins.
Factors That Affect Battery Life
- Heat — exposure to high temperatures permanently degrades capacity faster than anything else.
- Charging habits — frequently draining to 0% or holding at 100% stresses the battery.
- Number of cycles — every full cycle slightly reduces maximum capacity.
- Background activity — location services, push email, and 5G drain a single charge faster.
- Screen brightness and refresh rate — high brightness and ProMotion increase per-charge drain.
How to Make Your iPhone Battery Last Longer
Extend the lifespan
- Enable Optimized Battery Charging so the phone delays charging past 80% until you need it.
- On iPhone 15 and later, set the 80% charge limit in Settings for maximum longevity.
- Avoid leaving the phone in hot cars or direct sun.
- Keep the battery roughly between 20% and 80% when possible.
Extend a single charge
- Turn on Low Power Mode when you dip below 20%.
- Lower screen brightness and enable auto-brightness.
- Disable background app refresh for apps you rarely use.
- Check Settings > Battery to find and limit power-hungry apps.
When to Replace the Battery
Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. When Maximum Capacity falls below 80%, or you see a "Service" message, it's time for a replacement. Signs include the phone shutting down unexpectedly, throttled performance, or needing to charge multiple times a day. Apple offers battery replacements, and the phone will run like new afterward.
Pro Tips
Keep Optimized Battery Charging on—and set the 80% limit on iPhone 15 or later—to slow long-term degradation.
— Apple
Never leave your iPhone in a hot car or direct sunlight; high heat permanently reduces maximum capacity.
— Apple
Replace the battery once Maximum Capacity in Settings drops below 80% or you see a Service message.
— Apple
Quick Facts
Apple designs iPhone batteries to keep 80% of capacity after 500 charge cycles (1,000 cycles on iPhone 15 and later).
Source: Apple
One charge cycle equals using 100% of capacity total, not a single 0-to-100 charge—most users complete about one per day.
Source: Apple
Heat is the leading cause of permanent battery degradation, more damaging than the number of charges.
Source: Apple