Many iPhone users may think that connecting the phone to a charger is all it takes to maintain the battery, but technology experts emphasize that some daily charging habits can accelerate battery degradation and reduce its lifespan, even if the phone appears to be working normally.

iPhone phones, like most modern smartphones, rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are significantly affected by heat and electrical stress. This makes the charging method a critical factor in maintaining their efficiency for longer periods.

First: Charging the battery to 100% every time, although the phone allows for full charging, this does not mean that it is the ideal practice.

According to experts, keeping a lithium-ion battery at a high charge level for extended periods increases the electrical stress inside it, accelerating the aging of its chemical components and gradually reducing its ability to retain energy.

The iPhone 15 and newer models offer a feature that allows users to set an upper limit for charging, so the battery stops at a percentage chosen by the user instead of reaching 100% each time.

Second: Ignore the "Enhanced Charging" Feature

Experts recommend keeping the battery charge level between 20% and 80% whenever possible, known as the 80/20 rule, as it reduces stress on the battery.

Since adhering to this rule isn't always easy, especially when charging the phone while sleeping, Apple added an Optimized Battery Charging (OBC) feature that learns the user's daily habits and delays charging beyond 80% until close to their usual usage time.

This helps reduce the time the battery remains fully charged, contributing to extending its lifespan.

Third: Using the phone for games or heavy tasks while charging. One of the most common mistakes is running high-graphics games, video editing applications, or other resource-intensive apps while the phone is connected to a charger.

The process itself generates heat, and when the pressure from running heavy applications is added to this, the device’s temperature rises even more, which can negatively affect the battery and lead to a decline in its efficiency over time.

Light tasks

Experts recommend sticking to light tasks such as responding to messages or making a short call, and leaving the phone unused for as long as possible while it is charging.

Fourth: Using non-approved chargers; although many commercial chargers work with iPhones, using an unapproved charger may expose the device to problems like increased heat or unstable charging current, and in some cases may cause damage to the charging port or internal components.

For this reason, Apple recommends using original chargers or chargers that have been approved by MFi (Made for iPhone), which is an approval program that ensures accessories are compatible with the company’s quality and safety standards.

Experts also recommend checking the charger’s manufacturing quality, as some counterfeit products carry fake approval logos and do not provide adequate protection for the device.

Heat: The first enemy of the battery

Technology experts agree that excessive heat is the most influential factor in the deterioration of lithium-ion batteries; heat is naturally generated during charging, but increased heat due to poor ventilation or using the phone extensively or relying on low-quality chargers can accelerate battery damage.

Therefore, it is recommended to charge the phone in a well-ventilated area and avoid placing it under pillows or inside thick covers that retain heat, in order to ensure that the battery performs for as long as possible.

Experts believe that adhering to these simple guidelines not only maintains the efficiency of the battery but also contributes to extending the phone’s lifespan and reducing the need to replace the battery or the device before its expected time.