Apple introduced another notable change in the latest battery recalibration in iOS 14.5 beta — iPhone 11. The new feature provides an updated, more accurate reading of your device’s maximum battery capacity and peak performance, and can fix unexpected battery drain. And in some rare cases, it can lead to a free battery replacement.
9to5Mac first discovered the new iPhone recalibration feature in iOS 14.5 beta code, which led us to Apple's just-published support document.
See also: iOS 14.5 public beta 5 released! What changes does it bring?
Specifically, the new iPhone battery recalibration is only intended for the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max, at least for now.
The feature was first made available to developer and public iOS 14.5 beta 6. If you want to try it out before the public release of iOS 14.5 this spring, install the public or developer iOS beta.
See also: Apple: Releases updates for iOS 14.5 beta version for developers
How iPhone battery recalibration works in iOS 14.5
- Once you install iOS 14.5 beta 6 on iPhone 11, the battery recalibration process starts automatically
- It may take up to a few weeks to complete
- It may fix "unexpected battery drain behavior or, in a small number of cases, reduced performance capability"
- To check the status, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health
- You will see the new “Important message” regarding recalibration
- “Your battery health reporting system is re-rating your maximum capacity and maximum performance. This process may take a few weeks.”
- Recalibration will occur over time with regular charging cycles
- Apple says you'll know the process was successful when the notification at the top of the Battery Health section is gone (a new maximum capacity and maximum performance will be displayed)
- If the recalibration detects a “significantly degraded” battery condition, a battery service message will appear
Free battery replacement, extended warranties and more
In a “small number of cases,” Apple says that recalibrating the iPhone battery will not be successful and a new “battery service” message will appear. In these rare cases, the message will say, “An Apple Authorized Service Provider can replace the battery free of charge to restore full performance and capacity.” Apple notes that “this does not indicate a safety issue, and your device can be used normally.”
See also: iOS 14.5 beta for Siri: You can default to Spotify to listen to music
Apple also recommends that you wait to make an appointment at a store or other authorized provider until the recalibration process is complete.
Finally, warranties can be extended to cover the potentially weeks-long recalibration process, and refunds could be made for those who have previously paid for an battery after seeing the “degraded battery health message or experiencing unexpected battery behavior.” In either case, contact AppleCare.
Information source: 9to5mac.com
