I checked my iPhone 12 Pro and its maximum battery capacity is down to 77%. It also warns that the battery is significantly degraded. Does this mean the phone is at risk of suddenly dying, or can I keep using it? I can't afford to replace the phone right now, so I'm wondering what my options are.
3 Answers
At 77%, the battery is below the point where Apple generally considers replacement worthwhile. You don’t need a new phone—just ask Apple or a reputable repair shop for a battery replacement, and compare prices before deciding. Coverage depends on your warranty or service plan, so it isn’t automatically free for everyone.
It’s not an emergency. Until you can replace it, keep Low Power Mode available, avoid letting the phone repeatedly run completely flat, and expect to charge it more often. If the phone starts swelling, becomes unusually hot, or the display begins lifting, stop using it and have it inspected immediately.
The battery can now hold about 77% of the charge it could when it was new. That doesn’t mean the phone is dangerous or about to stop working, but you’ll probably get noticeably less battery life. A worn battery can also cause slowdowns or unexpected shutdowns, especially when the charge is low or the phone is under heavy load. You can keep using it, but replacing the battery is the usual fix.
Thanks, that’s reassuring. I’ll keep using it for now and look into the cost of a battery replacement instead of replacing the whole phone.