According to reports from various sources, including The Verge, iPhone 14 and 14 Pro users have encountered a troubling battery health issue. Several users have noticed a significant drop in battery capacity, with some devices showing battery health levels as low as 80% or 90% within less than a year of use. These reports have gained further credibility due to the acknowledgment of tech experts such as Sam Kohl and Joanna Stern.
Noteworthy User Experiences
Joanna Stern, in a recent post, revealed that her iPhone 14 Pro’s battery health has deteriorated to 88% within a year of owning the device. Frustrated by the decline, she questioned whether her heavy phone usage, reaching approximately 450 charge cycles, or fast charging may have contributed to the problem. Stern referred to Apple’s definition of a “normal battery,” which should maintain up to 80% of its original capacity after 500 complete charge cycles under normal conditions. It is important to note that Apple’s one-year warranty covers battery defects.
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Another user, “milesabovetech,” shared their experience on a forum, stating that their iPhone 14 Pro Max has seen its battery health decrease to 86% within just 11 months. Similarly, user “michaelnle” reported a drop in battery health to 89% on their iPhone 14. However, it is vital to recognize that this issue does not appear to be widespread. For instance, my personal iPhone 14 Plus, running iOS 17 beta, still maintains 100% battery health after a year of use. On the other hand, the regular iPhone 14 shows 99% battery health after the same timeframe.
Understanding iPhone Battery Health and How to Check It
Apple introduced the battery health feature to allow users to monitor the condition of their device’s battery over multiple charge cycles. To access this information, navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health (or Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging for iOS 16.1 or later). This section not only provides battery health status but also offers access to performance management features that dynamically regulate maximum performance to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Furthermore, the battery health screen includes a Peak Performance Capability section, which displays relevant messages.
Apple’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
As of now, Apple has not directly addressed the battery health issue affecting iPhone 14 and 14 Pro users. The company has a history of addressing battery-related controversies, which may indicate that they are actively investigating the matter. It remains to be seen whether Apple will release an official statement or offer a solution to affected users.
A growing number of iPhone 14 and 14 Pro users are reporting a concerning battery health problem, with the capacity dropping to 80% or 90% within a year of purchase. Notable figures in the tech industry have also confirmed these experiences. While the exact cause of this issue remains unknown, it is crucial to note that Apple has faced battery-related controversies in the past. With no official response from Apple yet, affected users eagerly await a resolution to this battery health drainage problem.