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How to Tell if You Need a New iPhone Battery

Don't take the expensive step to replace your power source without first checking for forced 'performance management.'

By Stephanie Mlot
Updated September 11, 2023
Apple iPhone battery (Credit: Getty Images/NurPhoto)

There's a certain point in the life cycle of Apple's iPhone when—about six to nine months before the launch of a fresh handset—batteries seem to begin losing the will to live.

For me and my iPhone 12 Pro, that day came around Easter, when I had to purchase a power bank and begin carrying a Lightning cable at all times—just in case the battery dropped from 80% to an anxiety-inducing 25% over the course of an hour and a half.

"Batteries are a complex technology, and a number of variables contribute to battery performance and related iPhone performance," according to Apple's support page. "All rechargeable batteries are consumables and have a limited lifespan—eventually their capacity and performance decline such that they need to be replaced. As batteries age, it can contribute to changes in iPhone performance."

Sure, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, like the ones Apple uses to power its devices, have improved over the years—charging faster, lasting longer, and boasting a higher power density in a lighter package. But until someone invents an everlasting cell, we'll always need replacements.

And while it's tempting to make a Genius Bar appointment the first time your phone unexpectedly dies, keep calm and read on to learn how to tell if you need a new iPhone battery.


Battery Health

Apple's 2018 launch of iOS 11.3 came with the Battery Health feature—a mea culpa amidst legal battles related to "Batterygate," when the company deliberately slowed older iPhone models without notifying users. (Apple eventually agreed to pay $25 to each affected customer as part of a class-action lawsuit that cost upwards of $500 million—and then some.)

Apple iPhone battery settings
(Credit: PCMag/Apple)

The function, housed in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, includes your handset's Maximum Capacity, or measure relative to when the power cell was new. Apple considers a battery capacity of 80% or above optimal (and not in need of replacement).

Snoop around a bit further and you'll find graphs charting your battery level and activity over the last 24 hours or 10 days, with info on activity broken down by app. Toggle between Show Battery Usage and Show Activity for a deeper dive. Or don't, if you're not in the mood to feel shame over the eye-watering number of hours you spend scrolling Instagram.

Apple iPhone battery: show battery usage vs show activity menus
(Credit: PCMag/Apple)

Peak Performance Capability

Apple iPhone battery health menus:Performance is normal, Performance management applied and Battery health unknown
(Credit: PCMag/Apple)

As your battery health degrades, so can its ability to deliver what Apple calls "peak performance." Here are some potential messages you'll see and what they mean.

  • Performance is normal: Your battery is currently supporting normal peak performance.

  • Performance management applied: This iPhone has experienced an unexpected shutdown because the battery was unable to deliver the necessary peak power. Performance management has been applied to help prevent this from happening again.

  • Battery health unknown: This iPhone is unable to determine battery health. An Apple Authorized Service Provider can service the battery. 

  • Performance management turned off: This iPhone has experienced an unexpected shutdown because the battery was unable to deliver the necessary peak power. You have manually disabled performance management protections.

  • Battery health degraded: Your battery’s health is significantly degraded. An Apple Authorized Service Provider can replace the battery to restore full performance and capacity.

Apple iPhone battery health menus: Performance management turned off and Battery health degraded
(Credit: PCMag/Apple)

Should You Upgrade Your iPhone?

Convinced your handset needs a fresh power source? Here are some options:


Apple

Eligible iPhones can get a battery replacement at no additional cost, if you have AppleCare+ and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity. Otherwise, there's a service fee of anywhere from $49 to $99, depending on the generation and model:

  • $49: iPhone 5

  • $69: iPhone 5s, SE, SE (2nd gen), SE (3rd gen), 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus

  • $89: iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

  • $99: iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

Note: You'll have to resolve any damage (like a cracked screen) that may impair the replacement process before sending the phone to Apple.


DIY

For the do-it-yourself types, iFixit sells iPhone battery kits with "everything you need to replace your old battery," including a custom driver, steel bits, opening tools, tweezers, and, of course, a new battery (backed by a one-year guarantee). The site covers nearly every model Apple, from iPhone 4s ($16.99) to iPhone 13 Pro Max ($44.99). Most modern options, however, fall somewhere between $30 and $40.


Third-Party Repair Shops

If you're on a budget, there are plenty of more affordable options, including Apple-approved or third-party repair providers. Just ask Google.

For more, check out our tips on How to Save Battery Life on Your iPhone.

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About Stephanie Mlot

Contributor

Stephanie Mlot

B.A. in Journalism & Public Relations with minor in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)

Reporter at The Frederick News-Post (2008-2012)

Reporter for PCMag and Geek.com (RIP) (2012-present)

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