Buying an iPhone is a dream for many. Its high-quality build, gorgeous design, powerful processor, outstanding camera, and intuitive iOS are some of the reasons why people want to buy an iPhone. But is an expensive phone for many. So before buying it, everyone wanted to get the best out of it and makes sure it lasts enough to make it a value-for-money purchase.
If you are also wondering how long does iPhone last, this article is just for you. Here we are going to talk about reasons that directly or indirectly affect the life of an iPhone.
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Factors Affecting iPhone Life
To give you a quick answer, iPhone can easily survive for 3-4 years. The life of an iPhone depends entirely on its user. A properly maintained iPhone will definitely give you great value for money and have a longer lifespan when compared to a poorly treated iPhone.
However, there are certain factors that can affect the life of an iPhone and that can help in increasing the lifespan of an iPhone. Let’s talk about them.
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1. Drops and physical damage
When an iPhone is dropped or subjected to physical damage, it can cause internal components to shift, loosen, or even break. The screen, which is one of the most commonly damaged parts, can crack or shatter, making the phone unusable. Dropping an iPhone can also damage the battery or other critical components, which can affect its performance and overall lifespan.

Using a protective case and screen protector can help minimize the impact of drops and other physical damage. They can help absorb some of the shocks and prevent the device from sustaining serious damage. However, even with protective measures in place, accidents can still happen.
If you want to extend the lifespan of your iPhone, make sure you don’t drop or place it in vulnerable places where you can sense the chances of the iPhone getting any physical damage.
2. Battery
Another factor that can affect the lifespan of an iPhone’s battery is the way it’s charged. If you frequently use your phone while it’s charging or let the battery drain completely before charging, it can reduce the overall lifespan of the battery. Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in iPhones, have a limited number of charge cycles before they start to degrade.
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To maximize the lifespan of your iPhone’s battery, it’s recommended to avoid charging your phone to 100% every time. Instead, aim to keep your battery charged between 20% and 80%. Also, avoid using your phone while it’s charging as it can generate heat and cause the battery to degrade faster. If you’re not going to use your iPhone for a while, it’s recommended to store it with a 50% charge. Poor Battery habits can also damage the logic board and other components which can degrade the life of an iPhone.
3. Usage Habit
If you use your iPhone heavily, constantly run resource-intensive apps or games, record videos or multitask frequently, it can cause the internal components to work harder, generate more heat, and consume more power, which can wear them out faster. This can result in reduced performance, slower response times, and other issues that can affect the lifespan of the iPhone.
On the other hand, if you use your iPhone moderately, avoid running too many apps or games at once, and close apps that are not in use, it can help prolong the lifespan of the device. This is because it reduces the workload on the internal components, which can help prevent them from overheating, wearing out, and ultimately failing prematurely.
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If you are using iPhone for your business or work, it is completely fine to use the iPhone the way you want as you can make more money with it and afford a new iPhone but if you are using iPhone for gaming, unnecessary apps or the way where you cannot afford a new iPhone anytime soon, it is advised to use the iPhone moderately.
4. iOS Updates
Sometimes, software updates can cause compatibility issues with certain apps or hardware components, leading to reduced performance or even system crashes. Additionally, software updates can sometimes introduce new bugs or issues that can affect the overall stability of the device.

However, it’s important to note that software updates are generally designed to improve the performance and lifespan of an iPhone. They can help optimize the device’s performance, fix security vulnerabilities, and ensure that it remains up-to-date with the latest technology. But Apple also confirmed that they degrade the performance of the old iPhone with new and new iOS updates. That means, even if you are using your iPhone with the utmost care, if it gets too old for Apple, they can degrade the performance in the next iOS update.
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5. Weather & Environmental Impact
Exposing an iPhone to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a hot car or using it in freezing weather, can cause damage to the battery and internal components, leading to reduced performance and a shorter lifespan. Humidity can also damage the internal components and cause corrosion, which can affect the device’s performance and lifespan.
Additionally, exposure to dust and dirt can cause clogging of the device’s ports, leading to connectivity issues and reduced performance. This can also cause damage to the internal components and affect the lifespan of the device.
It is advised to keep the iPhone away from extreme temperatures, dust, heat, and moisture for a longer lifespan of iPhone.
6. Non-Certified After Market Chargers
Aftermarket chargers, which are not made by Apple or a certified third-party manufacturer, can potentially damage an iPhone and affect its lifespan. These chargers may not meet the same quality standards as Apple’s chargers and may not provide the same level of protection and compatibility with the device.
For example, aftermarket chargers may not regulate the voltage and current flow as precisely as Apple’s chargers, which can result in overcharging or undercharging of the battery. Overcharging can cause the battery to degrade faster and shorten its lifespan, while undercharging can cause the battery to not charge fully, reducing the overall lifespan of the device.
Additionally, aftermarket chargers may not have the same safety features as Apple’s chargers, such as overvoltage and overcurrent protection, which can cause damage to the internal components of the device.
To ensure that your iPhone’s lifespan is not affected by the use of aftermarket chargers, it’s recommended to use only Apple-branded chargers or those produced by reputable third-party manufacturers that are certified by Apple. This can help ensure that the charger meets the same quality standards as those produced by Apple and provide the same level of protection and compatibility with the device.
These are some of the factors that can directly or indirectly affect the lifespan of an iPhone. However, timely steps and a little bit of care can improve the lifespan of an iPhone.
Signs Showing that iPhone is Dying
Like any other electronics, iPhone also gives signs of getting outdated. The average lifespan of an iPhone is 3-4 years and if someone really takes care of his/her iPhone, you can take a maximum of 5 years. But if you are seeing the below-mentioned signs that means your iPhone is dying and you might need a new iPhone.
1. Slow performance
If your iPhone is taking longer to launch apps or respond to your commands, it may be a sign that the device is struggling to keep up with your usage demands. iPhone keep turning off again and again is another sign of a dying iPhone.
2. Battery issues
If your iPhone’s battery drains quickly or doesn’t hold a charge as long as it used to, it may be a sign that the battery is aging and needs to be replaced. Sometimes, iPhone don’t charge when plugged in and that is clear indication of hardware failure either at the charger’s end of from iPhone’s end.
3. Noisy or distorted audio
If your iPhone’s speakers or microphone produce distorted or low-quality audio, it may be a sign that the device’s internal components are failing. However, you can fix it. Here is why iPhone sounds robotic and how to fix it.
4. Overheating
If your iPhone gets hot to the touch during normal use or charging, it may be a sign that the device is struggling to regulate its internal temperature and may need to be serviced.
How Long Does iPhone Last: In a Nutshell
The lifespan of an iPhone is influenced by various factors such as usage patterns, maintenance, and the specific model of the device. While the average lifespan of an iPhone is around 3-4 years, proper maintenance and care can help extend the device’s life and ensure it continues to perform well for years to come.
It’s important to be aware of the signs that indicate an iPhone is dying, such as slow performance, battery issues, overheating, crashes, physical damage, and audio problems. By recognizing these signs and seeking professional assistance, you can help prolong the life of your iPhone and ensure that it continues to meet your needs.
Remember to take care of your iPhone by using it responsibly, keeping it up to date with the latest software updates, avoiding overcharging the battery, and protecting it from physical damage and environmental factors. By doing so, you can help ensure that your iPhone lasts for as long as possible and provides you with the best possible user experience.
So if you are asking how long does iPhone last before buying an iPhone, you know the answer. iPhones are totally worth it if you know how to use a premium smartphone, how to utilise its camera resource, processing power.