Apple’s battery update & health: everything you need to know

Apple’s battery update: everything you need to know

You may remember: Apple’s batterygate. If not, read this article first. At the time, Apple slowed down older iPhones to prevent unexpected failures. Then came an update that allowed you to see for yourself how healthy your battery is and whether performance management is active.

We are now years down the road. Since iOS 11.3, the battery feature has continued to expand. In iOS 26, you get even more insight into your battery, especially on newer iPhone models. Below, we explain everything step by step.

We discuss:

• Check the Battery Condition
• Maximum capacity
• Peak performance
• What’s new in IOS 26

Check the Battery Condition

First, update your iPhone via Settings > General > Software update. This usually takes a few minutes. Are you getting an error message? Then read about iPhone update fails.

Then go to Settings > Battery > Battery Condition and Charging.

Here you see:

• Whether your battery is working normally
• What the maximum capacity is
• Whether performance management is active
• On supported models: the number of charging cycles

Battery condition is available from iPhone 6s with iOS 11.3 or newer. The number of charge cycles is visible on iPhone 15 models and newer.

Battery check as of iOS 26 on iPhone 15 models and newer:

Source: Appleinsider.com

Maximum capacity

The maximum capacity shows how much energy your battery can still hold compared to when it was new.

On a new iPhone, this says 100%. The lower the percentage, the faster your battery will drain.

Apple gives the guideline that a battery should still have at least 80% capacity after about 500 full charge cycles. In some newer models, this can reach about 1,000 charge cycles.

If your battery is below 80% and you still have warranty or AppleCare+, you may be eligible for replacement. Check out iPhone battery replacement.

On suitable models, iOS 26 shows you the number of charge cycles instantly. Do you have an older model? Then you can check the number of charging cycles through this program.

Peak performance

Under Battery Condition, you’ll also see peak performance. Here you can read if your battery affects the speed of your iPhone.

Your battery is currently supporting normal peak performance

Everything works as it should. Performance management is not active.

Your battery is in poor condition

Apple recommends replacement. This usually happens when the capacity is around or below 80%. Your iPhone may drain faster.

Performance loss only occurs when iOS needs to enable performance management after an unexpected outage.

Condition unknown

iOS cannot read the battery properly. This could mean a non-original battery is installed or there is an error in the readout. A diagnostic can provide clarity.

Power management function applied

This means that once your iPhone has failed unexpectedly due to voltage problems, iOS temporarily limits peak load to prevent new failures.

If you disable this, your device may again fail unexpectedly.

Power management function disabled

If you have disabled performance management, it will stay off until your device unexpectedly fails again. After that, iOS may turn it back on automatically.

What’s new in iOS 26?

iOS 26 makes the battery view clearer and more comprehensive.

• More detail in daily battery consumption
• Clear distinction between active and background use
• Charge cycles visible on supported models
• Set charge limit to reduce wear and tear
• Adaptive Power for smarter energy management

Adaptive Power analyzes how you use your iPhone and automatically adjusts power consumption when needed. This works in the background and is separate from the regular power saving mode.

Want to make sure how your battery is doing? Then stop by one of our branches for a free diagnosis.