How Long Does the Battery on iPhone 6s Plus Last?

The battery life of the iPhone 6s Plus, when it was first released, was designed to last about 24 hours of talk time, 14 hours of internet use, or up to 16 days of standby time. However, like all lithium-ion batteries, it typically degrades over time. Battery manufacturers rate smartphones’ batteries according to their cycles, with two quality tiers: 300 or 500 cycles. iPhones all have the 500 cycle batteries, while the vast majority of Android smartphones have 300 cycle batteries.

The term “one cycle” refers to a full discharge and charge. If you fully discharge and charge your battery twice a day, the battery would last for about 500 days, which is well beyond the expected cycle life. For instance, if you discharge your battery halfway each day and charge it back up each night, the battery would last around 1000 days, or nearly three years. Some people are more gentle with their batteries, and in our experience, we still use our original iPhones, never changing the batteries, and still use them daily as gaming machines and to control the music system. We never let them get too low on the battery, which has resulted in a usable battery performance for several years.

Understanding Battery Deterioration

Battery performance doesn’t stop after 500 cycles; in reality, it’s the performance beyond this point that matters. Generally, an iPhone battery can retain around 80% of its original capacity after about 500 full charge cycles, equating to around 1.5 to 2 years of regular use. After that, you might start to notice significantly reduced battery life. According to general expectations, your iPhone 6s Plus battery should work optimally for about three years without requiring major intervention.

No phone is exactly the same, and usage patterns and habits vary. Therefore, the battery life might vary slightly from one iPhone to another. For optimal performance and longevity, ensuring that you charge your phone properly and not letting it discharge too much can help. Some users report that even after three years, their batteries still retain 85% of their capacity, which is still very usable. By three years, the battery might drop to 80%, and the duration of usage might not last as long as before. For many users, the phone still works, albeit not as efficiently as in the first year.

It's important to note that while the battery can function for several years, its effective lifespan in terms of performance is often around 2 to 3 years. This can vary depending on usage patterns and charging habits. If you employ the right techniques, you can extend the life of your iPhone 6s Plus battery, but there comes a point where replacement becomes necessary for optimal performance.

Solutions and Tips for Extended Battery Life

To extend the life of your iPhone 6s Plus battery, consider the following tips:

Charge your phone properly: Avoid overcharging and let it reach 80% to 90% before plugging it in. Use a reputable charger: Using a reliable and certified charger can prevent damage to the battery and avoid overcharging. Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme cold or heat can negatively impact battery performance. Keep your phone at room temperature. Manage performance settings: Adjust settings to conserve battery power, such as turning down the brightness, disabling unnecessary apps, and using power-saving mode. Reduce screen time: Spending less time on your phone can significantly extend battery life.

In conclusion, while the battery on an iPhone 6s Plus can last for several years, its effective lifespan in terms of performance is often around 2 to 3 years. By following the recommended tips and managing your usage patterns, you can optimize your iPhone 6s Plus's battery life and improve its overall performance.