LONDON (AP) — To ensure your new iPhone lasts as long as possible, it’s essential to take good care of it.
Many people are choosing to keep their smartphones for longer periods rather than frequently upgrading. There are several reasons behind this trend.
When smartphones first came out, it was common to upgrade every few years to enjoy the latest features or take advantage of carrier subsidies on new devices. However, as smartphone technology has matured, improvements have become smaller and less groundbreaking, while carrier pricing strategies have evolved as well.
Additionally, there is increasing environmental awareness about reducing electronic waste, which makes people more mindful about keeping older phones instead of discarding them. Modern smartphones are also sturdier and designed to withstand accidental drops and spills.
“If you take good care of your phone and keep it updated, you can expect to use it for four or five years, maybe even longer,” says Chris Hauk from Pixel Privacy, a tech website. Some users report that their phones have lasted over seven years.
Given the hefty price tag of many smartphones—often over $1,000—most of us want them to last as long as possible. Here are some helpful tips to extend the lifespan of your Apple or Android phone:
Battery Care
The battery is one of the most critical elements in determining your phone’s longevity. The age of a rechargeable battery doesn’t just depend on when it was made; it also depends on various factors, like how it has been charged and the temperatures it has been exposed to, as explained by Apple.
As lithium-ion batteries age chemically, their ability to hold a charge diminishes, leading to shorter battery life and decreased performance, according to Apple. They also recommend using their charging optimization features, which allow users to safely charge their iPhones overnight.
Samsung advises that its lithium-ion batteries perform best when they remain charged above 50%. They caution against letting the battery drain completely, as this can reduce its lifespan and efficiency.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Apple warns that charging your phone in very hot conditions—over 95°F (35°C)—can permanently shorten battery life. Samsung also cautions against exposing devices to extreme heat or cold, suggesting that people avoid leaving their phones in extremely hot or cold cars. Another myth is that placing a phone in the freezer will help preserve battery life; Samsung states that this can actually cause damage to the battery.
Google also advises that hot batteries can drain quickly, even if the phone isn’t currently in use, potentially leading to battery damage.
Adjust Your Power Options
You can optimize your device settings to lessen power consumption. Lowering screen brightness, enabling dark mode, and reducing the time for the screen to turn off can help save battery life. Activating the auto-brightness feature allows the screen to adjust based on ambient light conditions. Check your battery usage settings to identify any apps that might be consuming excessive power—consider closing or uninstalling them if necessary.
If your iPhone’s battery dips below 10%, you can enable Low Power Mode to prolong usage until you can recharge. Samsung offers a similar “power-saving mode,” which you can keep on at all times, although it might impact performance. Samsung also suggests turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use, while Apple recommends leaving them on since they consume very little power when idle.
Use Protection
Smartphones are sleek but can easily slip from your hand, so investing in a sturdy protective case can help absorb shock from accidental falls.
Don’t forget about a screen protector! While plastic versions are more affordable, they can scratch easily. Device repair experts at iFixit recommend screen protectors made from TPU film or tempered glass for better protection against scratches and impacts.
Keep Your Device Clean
Accumulated lint and dust can clog the ports and sockets of your phone, so regular cleaning is vital.
“A little toothpick can be handy for removing debris trapped in the ports,” recommends Hauk. “The speaker and microphone grills can also collect dirt, so it’s a good idea to gently use a toothbrush to clean them, always being careful to push dirt out rather than in.”
Update Your Device
Keeping your operating system and apps up to date is crucial for extending your phone’s lifespan. Regular updates help ensure you have the latest security and battery management features.
Some manufacturers are improving their commitment to providing updates for longer. For instance, Google has pledged seven years of Android and security updates for its Pixel 8 and newer models, compared to four to five years for older versions. Samsung has also announced a commitment to seven years of operating system updates for its flagship S24 model, launched this year. While Apple doesn’t specify how long it will support its devices with iOS updates, older models like the iPhone 6s from 2014 and the iPhone 8 are still receiving security updates in 2023.
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