By KELVIN CHAN
Apple has just introduced its latest iPhones this week, featuring several exciting updates, enhanced camera capabilities, and significant price tags, including a new folding model starting at a staggering $1,999. If you’re considering investing in the new iPhone 18, it’s essential to know how to maintain it to extend its life.
Alternatively, you might choose to hold on to your current smartphone, whether it’s Apple or Android, to maximize its usability.
As smartphone technology has progressed, people are becoming less inclined to feel pressure to upgrade every time a new model hits the market. There’s also a growing awareness about keeping electronic waste out of landfills, as this has turned into a significant environmental concern. Today’s smartphones are built to be more durable and resistant to damage from falls and water exposure.
Currently, the average smartphone replacement cycle is about four years, according to Counterpoint Research. Some users even share online stories of their devices lasting over seven years.
Tips for Extending Your Phone’s Lifespan
1. Care for Your Phone’s Battery
The battery is a primary factor influencing how long your phone lasts. Its life is affected not just by when it was made but also by how you’ve used it—like how much you’ve charged it and the temperatures it has been exposed to. Apple notes that as lithium-ion batteries age, they tend to hold less charge, which can lead to a drop in performance.
Samsung also cautions against letting lithium-ion batteries drain completely, as that can reduce their lifespan. “The battery is generally the first component to fail in most phones,” says Elizabeth Chamberlain, sustainability director at iFixit.
Typically, lithium-ion batteries have a life of about 300 to 500 charging cycles before you notice significant degradation. Many people reach 500 cycles within just two years, especially if they use their phones heavily. Chamberlain advises keeping your battery charged between 20% and 80%, instead of letting it die or charging it fully every time.
2. Protect Against Extreme Temperatures
Smartphone makers warn that exposing your device to extreme heat or cold can harm the battery. Apple emphasizes that batteries can heat up during charging, shortening their life if the phone is used at high temperatures, especially above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Samsung recommends not leaving your phone in a glove box during hot or cold weather, and it’s a myth that putting your phone in a freezer prolongs battery life.
Google has noted that hot batteries can drain faster, even when not in use, ultimately harming them.
3. Reduce Power Consumption
You can adjust your phone’s settings to conserve battery life. Lowering the screen brightness, using a dark theme, and reducing the timeout for the display can help. Also, enabling auto-brightness, monitoring battery usage, and switching off power-hungry apps can make a difference. If your power drops below 10%, activating low power mode on iPhones or power saving mode on Samsung devices can help extend battery life.
4. Use Cases and Screen Protectors
Smartphones are sleek and can slip easily from your hands. A sturdy case can protect your phone from drops, but be aware that some cases might trap heat. Additionally, consider investing in a screen protector. While plastic ones are inexpensive, they can scratch easily. iFixit recommends tougher materials like TPU film or tempered glass for better protection.
5. Keep Your Phone Clean
Over time, lint and dirt can build up in your phone’s ports, which can hinder charging. Chamberlain points out that many charging issues stem from clogged ports. Cleaning kits are available, but a toothpick and a toothbrush can also do the trick in a pinch.
6. Update Your Software Regularly
Keeping your operating system and apps updated is critical for your phone’s longevity. Updates often provide the latest features for security and battery management. With time, manufacturers have begun extending support for updates. For example, Google has committed to providing seven years of updates for Pixel 8 and newer models, while Samsung plans to extend its support to seven years as well. Apple recently announced that its iOS 27 will be available on September 14, compatible with models starting from the iPhone 11, released in 2019.
7. Consider Repairable Phones
Sometimes, repairs might be your best option for a malfunctioning phone. Companies like Fairphone are leading the way, making phones that are easier to repair. Their devices are built to last, with readily available spare parts like batteries and screens online. Fairphone aims for its phones to last at least five years, promoting longer usage for its customers.
By incorporating these simple practices, users can help extend the life of their smartphones, ensuring they get the most out of their investments.
