Smartphone batteries advance steadily, yet progress lags behind other innovations like displays and processors. Android devices experiment with high-capacity silicon-carbon batteries, but iPhone users maximize endurance using native features. These five strategies deliver noticeable improvements without comprehensive overhauls.
1. Set Up an 80% Charge Alert
Maintain battery health by limiting charges to 20-80% most days, as full 100% cycles accelerate wear. Charge fully only for extended outings. iPhone 15 and newer models offer a charging limit in Settings > Battery > Charging, but frequent adjustments prove inconvenient.
Optimized Battery Charging pauses at 80% until needed, yet irregular schedules undermine its predictions. Instead, create a voice alert via the Shortcuts app: Tap the ‘+’ icon, select ‘Battery Level’, set to 80% with ‘Rises Above’, choose ‘Run Immediately’. Add ‘Speak Text’, enter a custom message, adjust voice if desired, and confirm. The iPhone now announces upon reaching 80%.
2. Disable Always-On Display
Always-On Display consumes extra power by keeping the screen dimly lit. Deactivate it via Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display by toggling off. Users who value quick glances may keep it enabled, but disabling yields battery gains for others.
3. Enable Adaptive Power Mode
iPhone 15 Pro and later support Adaptive Power mode, which dynamically reduces brightness, slows tasks, and adjusts performance during high drain periods. Activate in Settings > Battery > Power Mode, alongside notifications for transparency on adjustments.
4. Switch to Dark Mode
Dark Mode conserves power on OLED screens in recent iPhones, as black pixels deactivate entirely. It also eases eye strain. Enable via Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark. Benefits grow at high brightness, complementing aesthetic preferences.
5. Activate Low Power Mode Early
Low Power Mode prioritizes longevity by curbing background tasks, speed, refresh rates, brightness, 5G, and syncing. Access in Settings > Battery > Power Mode. Engage manually before 20% if charging delays loom; Adaptive Power auto-triggers it there.
