With the introduction of iOS 17 RC (Release Candidate), Apple unveiled enhanced battery management capabilities for the iPhone. One of the noteworthy features is the ability to limit the battery charge to 80%, a measure intended to extend the battery’s lifespan. This update, first spotted by 9to5Mac in the iOS 17 RC’s code references, has now been confirmed in the iPhone 15 models.
Ray Wong, sharing insights on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), highlighted that the iPhone 15 series offers a comprehensive section dedicated to battery health insights. Users can now easily discern when the battery component was manufactured and its inaugural use. The cycle count, representing each time the battery has been charged from 0 to 100%, is also displayed. While such information was previously attainable using third-party tools like coconutBattery on Mac, Apple has now integrated these details directly into iOS, starting with the iPhone 15.
Moreover, the iPhone 15 introduces a consistent battery charging limit feature. Given that charging a lithium-ion battery to its full capacity accelerates its aging process, the option to cap the charge at 80% allows users to prolong the battery’s longevity at the cost of a slight reduction in daily battery life. This function is distinct from the “Optimized Battery Charging” feature, which tailors the charging routine based on user behavior.
With the new update, the charge remains consistently capped at 80% regardless of user habits.