How Long Do iPhones Last on Average and What to Expect

The average lifespan of an iPhone is around 4-5 years, with some users reporting their devices lasting up to 7 years.

This is based on data from Apple's iPhone battery degradation study, which shows that batteries can retain up to 80% of their original capacity after 500 charge cycles.

Most iPhone users upgrade their devices every 2-3 years, citing reasons such as outdated software, reduced performance, and the desire for new features.

A survey of iPhone owners revealed that 71% of users reported using their devices for 2-3 years before upgrading, while 21% used their devices for 4-5 years.

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Apple uses lifespan assessment models to determine the service life of their products, and for iOS models like iPhones, three years is the standard period of time that constitutes "years of use".

In fact, Apple asserts that most of their products last longer than these expected service lifespans since they're primarily used as models.

Most iPhones last at least 2 years, but start to decline towards the end of those two years, as evidenced by the mobile phone trade-in industry, where customers exchange older phones for newer ones after just a few years of use.

The average age of a traded-in iPhone in 2018 was 2.8 years, with the iPhone 6 and 6s series being the oldest iPhones with the most trade-in activity.

You can expect somewhere between five and seven years of major iOS updates, plus potential security patches beyond that, making your iPhone last a good amount of time.

Apple devices hold their value, so you can likely trade in or sell your device to make some of the money back at the end of its life.

There are 1.5 billion active iPhone users worldwide, with 70% of them running on iOS 13, which is compatible with the 2015 iPhone 6s, showing that it's indeed possible for an iPhone to last 5 years.

The iPhone 6s, which was released in 2015, is still compatible with the latest iOS 13 software, demonstrating its durability and longevity.

While the average iPhone user will keep their iPhone for around three years before upgrading, some users tend to hold onto their phones for four to five years, often with a battery replacement done at the halfway mark.

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Your iPhone's battery life and health are closely tied, and it's not uncommon for battery life to degrade over time. Apple says a typical battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles.

You can check your iPhone's battery health by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, then checking the Maximum Capacity percentage. If it's below 80%, it's recommended to explore a battery swap through an authorized service and repair center.

Most users will reach this point after two to three years of daily use. A simple battery replacement will breathe new life into your phone, and it's much more cost-effective than replacing the whole phone.

Battery replacement can cost anywhere from $49 to over $100, depending on which iPhone you have. You can replace your iPhone's battery, which will make it much snappier and responsive.

It's worth noting that frequent charging slowly contributes to the decline of your iPhone's battery life. You can slow down deterioration by enabling Optimised Battery Charging, which lets your iPhone trickle charge itself past 80% depending on your routine.

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Here's a rough estimate of iPhone battery lifespan decline based on usage:

Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and actual battery lifespan can vary wildly depending on usage, charging habits, and other factors.

As your iPhone ages, you can expect performance to degrade over time. This means your brand-new iPhone experience will naturally differ from how a five-year-old iPhone performs.

Performance issues can sneak up on you, making your iPhone unusable or frustratingly slow. Once you start experiencing consistent, noticeable performance problems, it's time to consider a new iPhone. A few years back, I got stuck in an endless loop of a restart screen and had to get a new phone.

Battery degradation is often the culprit behind performance issues. You can replace your iPhone's battery, which can breathe new life into it, making it respond like a brand new phone. Depending on your iPhone model, battery replacement can cost anywhere from $49 to over $100.

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Spontaneous shutdowns can be a real nuisance, especially if you're not expecting it. In 2017, Apple acknowledged that random shutdowns are still somewhat tied to battery-related issues.

This means that even if your older iPhone still takes a decent charge, the battery itself is not sophisticated enough to operate with the efficiency that matches the software.

Spontaneous shutdowns can happen even if your battery life and phone's hardware is decent. Your phone may shut down altogether to preserve its electronic components and prevent a fire.

Random shutdowns are not a sign that your phone is faulty, but rather a sign that your battery is aging.

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Performance decline is a common issue that can affect your iPhone's performance over time. It's a natural part of an iPhone's life cycle, and it can be caused by various factors such as battery degradation.

A typical iPhone user will keep their iPhone for around three years before upgrading, usually because the degrading battery backup is no longer sufficient for their needs.

If your iPhone starts glitching regularly, it's time to start looking at new phones. Consistent, noticeable performance issues are a sign that your iPhone's performance is declining.

Battery degradation is a major contributor to performance decline, and it can be easily solvable by replacing your iPhone's battery. This can breathe new life into your device, making it snappier and more responsive.

Here are some common signs of performance decline:

These issues can be frustrating, but they're often a sign that your iPhone is nearing the end of its lifespan. If you're not ready to buy a new iPhone, replacing your battery can be a cost-effective solution.

Whether your iPhone runs a supported version of iOS is the most important factor for its lifetime.

The signs it's time to upgrade your iPhone can help you estimate how long your next iPhone will last. This consideration can come into play when determining your iPhone's lifespan.

Physical damage can range from a minor inconvenience to a major problem that prevents you from using your device.

Dropping your iPhone can crack its screen, destroy the speaker, or cause other damage.

A minor chip in the screen might not be a big deal, but serious damage could mean you need a new phone sooner than you thought.

iPhone repairs can be expensive, so it's worth considering adding AppleCare+ to your plan.

With AppleCare+, you can bring your device to Apple twice every 12 months for a repair or replacement, and only pay a deductible instead of the full repair cost.

Being proactive and taking care of your iPhone can keep it running in top shape for as long as possible.

The signs it's time to upgrade your iPhone can help you estimate how long your next iPhone will last.

Running a supported version of iOS is the most important factor for an iPhone's lifetime. This means staying up to date with the latest software updates to ensure your iPhone receives the necessary security patches and features.

Using your iPhone excessively can significantly reduce its lifespan. If you're a heavy user, you may need to upgrade your iPhone sooner rather than later.

The storage capacity of your iPhone is another factor to consider. If your iPhone is constantly running out of storage, it can slow down and become less functional.

The physical condition of your iPhone, including any damage or wear and tear, can also impact its lifespan. A cracked screen or water damage can shorten the life of your iPhone.

Aging hardware can also affect an iPhone's lifespan. As your iPhone gets older, its battery life may decrease, and its performance may slow down.

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You can expect to get more than 3 to 4 years of use out of your iPhone if you update it regularly. This is based on personal experience and friends who have kept their iPhones in good condition.

Your iPhone's battery will decrease in performance over time, but with enough storage and no physical damage, it can last a good amount of time.

To extend your iPhone's life, consider these simple tips: update your software regularly, and maintain your device from physical damage.

Here's a rough estimate of how long you can expect your iPhone to last:

Apple devices hold their value, so you can likely trade in or sell your device to make some of the money back at the end of its life.