With the release of iOS 17.4, Apple introduces significant changes to the Battery and Battery Health sections within the Settings app, providing users with clearer insights into their iPhone’s battery status.
Upon navigating to the “Battery” screen in Settings, users will now encounter two new menus: “Battery Health” and “Charging Optimization.” This streamlined approach allows for quick assessment of charging optimization settings and immediate visibility into whether the battery health is deemed “normal.” Users can also delve into these settings for further details if desired. Notably, this marks the first time Apple provides users with direct information regarding their iPhone’s battery health status. Previously, users were presented with battery health percentage figures without much context.
Additionally, iOS 17.4 beta 4 introduces a new splash screen offering valuable information on iPhone batteries and warranty details. Apple clarifies that the original battery design aims to retain 80% capacity after 1000 cycles under ideal conditions, with actual performance contingent on various factors such as usage and charging habits. The one-year warranty encompasses service for defective batteries alongside rights stipulated by local consumer laws. Furthermore, Apple emphasizes the integration of dynamic software and hardware systems to mitigate performance impacts as the battery ages.
An observation by Aaron Zollo on Twitter highlights a discrepancy between Apple’s mention of “1000 cycles under ideal conditions” in the blurb and its support document citing “500 complete charge cycles.” These enhancements are currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, similar to the previous introduction of battery cycle count information for these devices. This aligns with the precedent set last September, where the iPhone 15 lineup became the sole recipient of battery cycle count display functionality.
These updates underscore Apple’s ongoing commitment to providing users with transparent and comprehensive battery-related information, empowering them to better understand and manage their device’s battery health.
