When I first got my iPhone 16 Pro Max, I decided to be mindful about how I used it, especially when it came to charging habits. Fast forward almost a full year and my battery health is still proudly sitting at 98 percent. For a phone that I use daily for work, media consumption, and staying connected, that’s something I’m genuinely glad about. It’s not about obsessing over numbers every single day, but making small consistent adjustments that add up over time.
Simple charging habits and smart practices helped my iPhone 16 Pro Max retain 98 percent of battery health after one year
Take note that batteries are consumable parts, which means that no iPhone will ever stay at 100 percent battery health forever. However, what you can do is slow down the inevitable wear and tear, ultimately allowing your device to remain usable for longer. Apple knows about the battery’s deteriorating health and it has given users a plethora of controls in iOS to help decelerate the wear over time.
Moreover, when you combine all of the factors with a bit of discipline, it can make a huge difference. You can check out the habits that I have followed and they are exactly why my iPhone 16 Pro Max is still holding strong after 12 months of use.
Optimized Charging
I have always kept “Optimized Battery Charging” enabled on my iPhone, which means that the phone stopped at 80 percent overnight and only topped off right before I usually wake up. This reduces stress on the battery, but this should only be followed if you have not set a charging limit.
Avoid Heat
I never charged in direct sunlight or while the phone was running heavy apps, which puts pressure on the battery, as the cell is depleting and charging at the same time. Your iPhone should always be charged in a cool environment.
Charging Range Discipline
Most of the time, I charged my iPhone 16 Pro Max between 20 to 90 percent and never had my phone die on me nor have I left it at 100 percent for hours.
Official Accessories
I stuck with Apple’s original charger and cable for all my charging needs, as cheap third-party options can deliver inconsistent power and shorten battery life.
Software Updates
I also kept my iPhone up to date when it comes to iOS releases and app updates. This ensures that the device gets the latest battery optimizations running in the background. Additionally, be sure to update your apps so all the underlying bugs are fixed, which may consume battery life more than necessary. Apple has also introduced a new AI-powered Adaptive Power Mode, which will come in handy as well.
Managing Background Drain
I kept notifications in check and disabled background activity for apps I do not regularly use. This prevents unnecessary drain and cycles.
Efficient Daily Use
I regularly used Low Power Mode when my day was busy or when I didn’t need background processes running. With Low Power Mode turned on, I typically squeezed more than a day’s worth of battery life, which is why my cycle count is 219 from the 360 days that I have used the device.
After a year, these habits became second nature and the key is not stressing over every percentage, but making small changes and adjustments that will preserve battery health in the long run. If you plan on holding your iPhone for a few years, these practices can make a gigantic difference. How much battery health does your iPhone still have after a year of use?