iPhone battery life: ranking of the best models in 2026

Battery life is a major criterion when choosing a iPhone . From the iPhone 12 launched in 2020 to the most recent models released in 2025, Apple has made numerous optimizations (battery size, more efficient chips, 120Hz ProMotion displays, etc.) to improve the lifetime of its devices. In this article, we compare the actual battery life of each generation of iPhone – based on official Apple data and user testing – in order to establish a Battery life ranking from best to worst . You'll find a clear summary table of usage hours (video playback, streaming, web browsing, standby, etc.) for each model, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each generation. All presented in a clear and concise manner. objective, precise and informative , to help you identify the best iPhone in terms of battery life over the period 2020-2025.

iPhone 12 (2020) Battery Life – A Pretty Decent 5G Start

Apple introduced 5G with the range iPhone 12 , consisting of four models: iPhone 12 mini , iPhone 12 , iPhone 12 Pro And iPhone 12 Pro Max . Overall, battery life was considered decent without being exceptional, mainly due to smaller capacity batteries than the previous generation and the increased power consumption of 5G.

• iPhone 12 mini – It's the smallest, and its battery is too. Apple announces 3 p.m. video playback and 10 hours streaming, where other models do better In daily use, its battery life is limited: it barely lasts a full day with moderate use. Its advantages remain its fast charging and compact size, but it's not the champion of... Long-lasting iPhone .

• iPhone 12 / 12 Pro – The iPhone 12 and its Pro version (6.1 inches) offer identical battery life, Apple indicates 5 p.m. in video playback, 11 a.m. streaming and up to 65 hours audio In practice, both models last about a standard day. Tests showed a slight improvement over the iPhone 11, thanks in particular to the more energy-efficient A14 Bionic chip. For example, an intensive battery test measured approximately 6:40 AM screen on the iPhone 12, versus 5:08 AM on the iPhone 11 under the same conditions This is a notable improvement, even if the iPhone 12 is not the top performer in this comparison.

• iPhone 12 Pro Max – The larger model (6.7 inches) has a bigger battery. Apple announces 8 p.m. video playback and 12 hours streaming, which is the best score in the 12 range In real-world use, the iPhone 12 Pro Max stands out for its solid battery life ( ~2 days) . (possible in moderate mode). Its large screen and 5G do draw on the battery, but the increased capacity (≈3687 mAh) compensates well. It thus lays the foundation for the "Best iPhone battery life" of his time, even if he would soon be surpassed by his successors. In standby mode , all iPhone 12 models consume slightly more power than previous versions (due to 5G) – some users reporting a loss of approximately 4% of battery per hour in standby mode. overnight on iPhone 12, that's 20-40% in one night  – a flaw that Apple will partially correct through updates.

Summary: The iPhone 12 introduced 5G without compromising battery life, thanks to the efficiency of the A14 chip and iOS. However, compared to more recent models, the iPhone 12 (especially the mini) falls short in terms of battery life. Apple needed to do better, and that's what it set out to do with the next generation.

iPhone 13 (2021) battery life – Big improvement thanks to larger batteries

With the iPhone 13 (13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max), Apple has significantly improved the iPhone battery . Each model gains capacity (approximately +10% to +18%), and the more efficient A15 Bionic chip significantly extends battery life. As a result, battery life takes a leap forward, and several iPhone 13 models are among the best on the market in 2021.

• iPhone 13 mini Despite its compact size, it boasts a slightly larger battery than the 12 mini. Apple announces 5 p.m. in video playback (compared to 15 hours previously) and 1 p.m. streaming In audio, we reach 55 hours In practical terms, the iPhone 13 mini gains about an hour of screen-on time for web/video use compared to the 12 mini. It remains the least enduring in the series (due to its size), but lasts almost a full day with moderate use – a significant improvement, partially addressing one of the... weaknesses of the iPhone 12 mini.

• iPhone 13 / 13 Pro – The standard iPhone 13 (6.1”) reaches 7 p.m. in video playback and 3 p.m. streaming That's about 2 hours more than the iPhone 12. Its larger battery and the A15 chip give it a comfortable day battery life (often 20-30% remaining in the evening with mixed use). The iPhone 13 Pro, on the other hand, combines a slightly larger battery and, most importantly, an OLED screen. ProMotion 120 Hz (Adaptive) which doesn't significantly impact consumption. Apple is making progress. 10 p.m. in video playback and 8 p.m. streaming for the 13 Pro  – figures comparable to the non-Pro iPhone 13 for streaming, a sign of the effectiveness of the adaptive 120Hz display. In practice, the iPhone 13 Pro shines with its battery life: more than 11:40 5G web browsing in a Tom's Guide test, compared to ~9 hours for the iPhone 12 Pro This is one of the best iPhones in terms of battery life Upon its release, it was surpassed only by the Max model.

• iPhone 13 Pro Max – It's the undisputed champion of 2021. Its battery capacity is close to 4350 mAh, and Apple indicates 28 hours video playback and 25 hours streaming  – unprecedented on an iPhone. Tests confirm exceptional battery life: 12:13 continuous 5G web browsing measured by Tom's Guide, which is about 1 hour and 20 minutes more than the 12 Pro Max Many users hold 2 full days without needing to recharge in moderate use, a widely praised performance. The iPhone 13 Pro Max thus positions itself At the top of the battery life comparison at the time , it became a benchmark among smartphones (for example, it surpasses the Samsung S21 Ultra and rivals the best Android phones in terms of battery life). Its strengths – large battery + A15 + optimized ProMotion screen – make it the Best iPhone battery life of 2021 , by far.

Summary: The iPhone 13 lineup has significantly increased battery life. Even the smaller 13 mini has improved, and the Pro/Max models, in particular, are reaching record levels. Apple has focused on the battery size and efficiency, meeting the expectations of users who were looking for a Long-lasting iPhone of use. The iPhone 13 Pro Max remains a benchmark until the next generation.

iPhone 14 (2022) battery life – Status quo for Pro models, introduction of an iPhone Plus

In 2022, Apple launched the iPhone 14 and the 14 Plus, as well as the 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max. The strategy changes slightly: no mini version this time, but a iPhone 14 Plus The 6.7-inch model offers a larger battery without requiring a Pro model. Overall, battery life remains in line with the iPhone 13, with slight improvements in certain uses. The A16 Bionic chip in the Pro models provides a modest efficiency gain, and battery capacities see little change (or even a very slight decrease on the Pro models). Here are the figures and observations:

• iPhone 14 – The standard 6.1-inch model maintains very good battery life. Apple announces 8 p.m. in video playback and 4 p.m. streaming, with up to 80 hours audio playback These values ​​are almost identical to the iPhone 13 (19 hours of video). In practice, the iPhone 14 lasts have a good day mixed use. It is worth noting that despite the absence of a finer-manufactured chip (the 14 uses the A15), the optimization of iOS 16/17 allows it to maintain the endurance of the 13. This is a positive point, even if the iPhone 14 does not set a new record.

• iPhone 14 Plus – New for 2022, the 14 Plus offers the 6.7” screen and battery of the Pro Max… without the Pro features. It's a iPhone designed with battery life in mind . Apple is moving forward. 26 hours video playback 8 p.m. streaming and 100 hours audio In real-world conditions, the iPhone 14 Plus impresses: it rivals the 13 Pro Max. Many users exceed 2 days of battery life in moderate use. Without the ProMotion screen or the Always-On Display (AOD) of the Pro models, power consumption is even lower. This 14 Plus thus rises to the ranks of the best iPhones in terms of battery life , offering a cheaper alternative to the Pro Max for those who want a iPhone with a long-lasting battery .

• iPhone 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max – On the Pro side, Apple mainly introduced a screen Always-On and Dynamic Island, without significantly increasing battery life. The iPhone 14 Pro (6.1”) remains at around 11 p.m. video and 8 p.m. streaming , very similar to the 13 Pro. The 14 Pro Max, however, wins just one hour compared to the 13 Pro Max with 29 hours video playback and 25 hours streaming In use, these models still offer excellent battery life (1.5 to 2 days for the Pro Max without any issues). However, the always-on display consumes approximately 5% of the battery per hour according to tests – a feature that can thankfully be disabled for those who want to squeeze out extra hours. Note: in intensive testing, the iPhone 14 Pro Max lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes. screen size (slightly less than the 13 Pro Max) – probably due to the AOD and the more powerful but slightly more power-hungry A16 chip. strength The fact remains that Apple has retained the excellent battery life of the 13 series while adding new features. weak point Possible: no spectacular improvement on the Pro models, which are stagnating a bit (progress will come with the next generation).

Summary: The iPhone 14 range consolidates its achievements. The iPhone 14 Plus stands out as best iPhone battery life popular in 2022 (ideal for video streaming or travel, with its 26 hours of video) The 14 Pro/Pro Max, meanwhile, maintain their battery life but must power new features (AOD, more extreme adaptive 120Hz). Overall, the iPhone 14 user benefits from a very good battery , although the battery life innovation of the year is mainly the arrival of the Plus model.

iPhone 15 (2023) battery life – Stabilization and software optimizations rather than hardware

THE iPhone 15 The iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max are unique in that they use almost identical battery components to the iPhone 14. Apple hasn't drastically increased battery capacity, and the A17 Pro chip (built on a 3nm process) is only found in the Pro models. As a result, Apple announces figures strictly identical The iPhone 14 has the same battery life! The 15 and 15 Plus use the A16 chip and offer the same battery life as the 14 and 14 Plus. The same is true for the 15 Pro compared to the 14 Pro. This may seem disappointing, but Apple has mainly focused on software optimization and the new 3nm architecture (on the 15 Pro) to maintain or slightly improve battery life in real-world use without changing the official figures.

• iPhone 15 / 15 Plus – So we find 8 p.m. (video) and 4 p.m. (streaming) on ​​the iPhone 15 , And 26 hours / 8 p.m. on the 15 Plus (identical to the 14 Plus). Tests confirm equivalent battery life. The good news is that despite the switch to USB-C and a few additions (Dynamic Island on the 15), power consumption remains under control. The standard iPhone 15 still offers a comfortable day of use. The 15 Plus remains a marathon runner: approximately 2 days of battery life In everyday use, thanks to its large ~4325 mAh battery. It's still one of the best iPhones in terms of battery life for use oriented towards video, social networks and browsing.

• iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max – Once again, Apple announces 11 p.m. And 8 p.m. (15 Pro) , 29 hours And 25 hours (15 Pro Max) – identical to the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max The more powerful A17 Pro chip doesn't really improve battery life, but it doesn't make it worse either thanks to its more advanced manufacturing process. In real-world use, some tests note a very slight improvement on the 15 Pro in gaming and streaming endurance (optimized heat dissipation prevents the overheating that unnecessarily consumed power on the 14 Pro). Nevertheless, the difference is minimal. In short, an iPhone 15 Pro Max still delivers its 1.5 to 2 days without recharging, and a 15 Pro approximately 1 day full before flashing towards 10%. Apple preferred to play it safe – even at the risk of disappointing those who were hoping for a best iPhone battery life in 2023. Positive point: No regression in autonomy has been observed despite the new functions. Negative point: No evolution, the iPhone 15 remains in the upper range but will be overtaken in 2024.

Summary: The iPhone 15 series is a carbon copy of the 14 in terms of battery life. Apple has even stated that the rumored capacity increases are not reflected in the official battery life figures. The brand opted to guarantee the same battery life by adding new features (USB-C, improved camera, etc.). For the user, this means that an iPhone 15 or 15 Plus offers a solid but unchanged autonomy compared to a 14/14 Plus. Same for the Pro models. We'll have to wait for the next generation for a real leap forward.

iPhone 16 (2024) battery life – Apple makes a strong statement: record across all models

THE iPhone 16 (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max) mark a turning point. Apple has redesigned its Pro devices (larger 6.3" and 6.9" screens) and significantly increased battery capacity. As a result, official battery life figures are in sharp increase across the entire range This is one of the major improvements of 2024, making the iPhone 16 the most enduring ever at launch.

• iPhone 16 – The 6.1” model finally boasts significantly improved battery life. Apple announces 10 p.m. video playback (vs. 20 hours on the iPhone 15) and 6 p.m. streaming Audio playback remains around 80 hours. This gain of approximately 2 hours of video playback is due to a slightly larger battery and an A18 chip, still manufactured using a 4nm process but with improved optimization. In practical terms, the standard iPhone 16 allows 1.5 days With moderate use, whereas the 15 barely lasted the day. This is a very good year for a non-Pro model, quite close to the battery life of a 13 Pro Max from a few years earlier.

• iPhone 16 Plus – The iPhone 16 Plus (6.7”) improves upon an already excellent marathon runner. Apple announces 27 hours video and 24 hours streaming That's +1 hour of video and an impressive +4 hours of streaming vs. the 15 Plus The audio remains at 100 hours. In practice, it can reach 2 full days effortlessly, and up to 3 days In light use with this phone, its large screen without 120 Hz (the Plus model remains at 60 Hz) and the large battery work wonders for those who want a Long-lasting iPhone at a more affordable price. For web browsing or continuous video playback, few smartphones can compete with the 2024 iPhone 16 Plus.

• iPhone 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max The real revolution comes from the Pro models. Apple increased the screen size (and therefore the chassis) to 6.3" and 6.9", allowing for much larger batteries. Furthermore, the next-generation 120Hz LTPO display and the A18 Pro chip (built on an improved 4nm process) optimize power consumption. The iPhone 16 Pro thus displays 27 hours video playback (a jump of +4 hours vs. 23 hours on the 15 Pro) and 10 p.m. streaming The iPhone 16 Pro Max, on the other hand, reaches 33 hours of video (+4 hours also) and 29 hours streaming These figures are spectacular: the 16 Pro Max breaks the record held by the 13 Pro Max/14 Plus, and becomes the new iPhone with top-notch battery life in 2024. In real-world use, the 16 Pro Max can easily approach the 3 days In moderate use (and exceeds two days even with heavy use, according to numerous testers). The 16 Pro, meanwhile, matches the battery life of a 14 Pro Max while being more compact – a real plus. It's also worth noting that MagSafe charging is upgraded to 25W on the iPhone 16, reducing charging time, which nicely rounds out the battery picture. In summary, series 16 doesn't really have any weak point In terms of battery life: all models are better than their predecessors and outperform the competition of their time. If we were to nitpick, we would say that the increased bulk and weight are the "price to pay" for these giant batteries (Apple has indeed slightly thickened the devices, which is a deliberate choice to prioritize battery life).

Summary: The iPhone 16 series has focused on battery life, and it shows. Whether it's the 16 Plus for the general public or the 16 Pro Max for the very high end, Apple is at the top of the battery life rankings in 2024. A18 chip efficient, optimized internal design and increased battery size (made possible by a larger form factor and the elimination of certain energy-intensive components) finally offer users iPhones that can last more than two days . This is a welcome development that makes the 16 series an excellent choice for anyone looking for the iPhone with the best battery life in 2024.

iPhone 17 (2025) Battery Life – Records Broken and Region Differences

In 2025, Apple continues this momentum with the iPhone 17. The lineup consists of the iPhone 17 (6.1"), the iPhone 17 Pro (6.3") and 17 Pro Max (6.9"), as well as an all-new iPhone Air (6.1” ultra-thin) as a replacement for the Plus model. The goal is clear: to offer iPhones with even longer battery life while introducing a redesigned chassis (reworked internal chassis, camera tray allowing more room for the battery). Apple is thus announcing improved battery life figures, with one caveat: models intended for Europe (with a SIM card tray) have a slight reduction in capacity compared to the eSIM-only versions sold in the United States. This creates a discrepancy in the advertised battery life between the two markets. Let's focus on the battery performance of these iPhone 17 models:

• iPhone 17 – The standard model finally benefits from 120Hz ProMotion technology (a first on a non-Pro model) while also significantly increasing its battery life. Apple claims 30 hours video playback (compared to 22 hours on the 16th), i.e., +8 hours, and approximately 27 hours streaming That's colossal for a 6.1-inch screen. In real-world use, testers confirm that the iPhone 17 holds up. easily two days fully charged without recharging It even approaches the battery life of a 17 Pro under certain conditions. Thanks to the A19 chip and the optimizations of iOS 19, this iPhone 17 surpasses all previous non-Pro models. It has thus been hailed as the “best choice” by most users, because it brings the battery life closer to that of a Pro model at a more affordable price On the downside, its slightly increased weight due to the large battery is worth mentioning, but that's the compromise for having a Long-lasting iPhone without going for the Pro Max.

• iPhone 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max – Apple has once again boosted the battery life of its Pro models. The 17 Pro Max reaches a new record: up to 39 hours video playback via eSIM (US announcement) , And 37 hours for the version with SIM card sold in Europe On the video streaming side, we're talking about 35 hours (US) and slightly less in the EU. The 17 Pro (6.3”) is priced at 33 hours available on video in the USA (31 hours in Europe) – another 6 hours more compared to the 16 Pro. For audio, Apple advertises up to 105 hours on the Pro Max  (Approximately 100 hours in Europe). In practical terms, the iPhone 17 Pro Max becomes the new absolute champion : it can exceed 3 days of moderate use without recharging, and even the heaviest users struggle to drain it in less than two full days. Testers describe its "astronomical" battery life as capable of... Say goodbye to battery anxiety . Even with heavy use (gaming, 5G, video), the 17 Pro Max easily lasts a day and a half. The iPhone 17 Pro, meanwhile, easily lasts two days with light to moderate use, and about a day and a half with heavy use – unprecedented for a “Pro” model. An interesting point: the absence of a SIM card tray on the US models allowed for the inclusion of approximately 0.15 Wh of additional battery capacity, explaining the two extra hours of battery life in North America. Finally, fast charging has been improved even further: up to 50% in 20 minutes with a 40W charger, which is useful given the battery size . In summary , the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max will have virtually no competition in terms of battery life on the market by the end of 2025 – to the point that Apple emphasizes that a 17 Pro Max can Operates for up to 33 hours continuously in video playback , which is “14 hours more” than the previous generation Their only weak point could be… to make the charger almost optional for several days!

• And what about the iPhone Air? – A word about the iPhone Air (2025), even though it doesn't fit into the standard numbering system. This ultra-thin model sacrifices some battery capacity for its slim profile. Its battery life is therefore less than that of the regular iPhone 17 models. Tests report approximately 6:40 AM screen during intensive use  – That's less than a "normal" iPhone 17, which lasts over 7 hours and 30 minutes, but it's still decent thanks to the efficient A19 chip. The iPhone Air targets a different audience (those who love a slim design), but it's good to know that it still lasts a full day thanks to software optimizations. It even offers 2 hours longer than a US 16 Pro Max in video playback despite its small battery, because it is only eSIM (saving space for the battery) Overall, however, it's not the battery-performance champion iPhone . of 2025 – a title which undoubtedly belongs to the 17 Pro Max.

Summary: Apple has once again pushed the boundaries with the iPhone 17. Battery life is improved across the entire range, and the iPhone ranking by battery Logically, the 17 Pro Max and 17 Pro dominate the top spots. Exclusive eSIM support in certain markets even allowed users to squeeze out a few extra hours of battery life. For the user, this means that iPhones in 2025 are finally devices that can be left uncharged for two or three days without worry – a major evolution from the iPhone 12 era where daily charging was essential.

Battery life comparison chart (iPhone 12 to iPhone 17)

To conclude this comparison, here is a summary table ranking the main iPhones of From best to worst in terms of battery life . We indicate the durations for each model. official in hours of different uses: Video playback (locally) Video streaming , Web Navigation (5G user test) and Audio playback . This table clearly illustrates the generational evolution and ranking of the best iPhone in battery life over the period 2020-2025.

Table readings: The figures for “Video Playback” and “Video Streaming” are taken from Apple’s official specifications for each model (US version without a physical SIM card where different, hence the EU/US designation). The “Web Browsing (test)” column provides, for informational purposes, the continuous browsing time measured during independent tests (e.g., Tom's Guide or others) – these values ​​vary depending on the protocol but give an idea of ​​the possible screen time on the internet over 4G/5G. Finally, “Audio Playback” indicates the battery life for local music playback (according to Apple).

This table shows the iPhone battery life rankings Next: the newest and larger-format models (17 Pro Max, 17 Pro, 16 Pro Max) lead the way, with battery life well over 30 hours for video playback. Conversely, the smaller and older models (12/13 mini) lag behind with around 7-8 hours of web browsing and 15-17 hours of video playback. Between these two extremes, each generation brings its own set of improvements: for example, the 13 Pro Max (28 hours) dominated in 2021, closely followed by the 14/15 Plus (26 hours) and then surpassed by the 16 Pro Max (33 hours) and 17 Pro Max (39 hours) in subsequent years.

The final word: which iPhone has the best battery life?

In conclusion, if we do the iPhone battery life comparison From the 12th to the 17th, the trend is clearly towards continuous improvement, with an acceleration in the last two generations. To summarize:

• The undisputed champion is the iPhone 17 Pro Max , which offers the longest battery life ever seen on an iPhone (up to 39 hours of video). This is the best iPhone battery life To date, it's ideal for heavy users or those who travel without frequent access to a power outlet. Right behind it, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max form the leading pack, also offering over 30 hours of video playback on a single charge.

• Previous larger formats (14 Plus, 15 Plus, 13 Pro Max...) They remain excellent choices for their battery life. An iPhone 14 Plus or 15 Pro Max, for example, easily exceeds 25 hours of video playback. and will last 2 days under normal use. They still rank highly, even though they have since been overtaken by generations 16 and 17.

• Recent standard models (iPhone 16, iPhone 17) They now offer battery life comparable to the older “Max” models. A “classic” 6.1-inch iPhone 17 outperforms a 14 Pro Max in battery life while costing less, making it a strategic choice for many.

• The older models (iPhone 12, 13) , while not bad, are showing their age compared to current specifications. An iPhone 12 or 13 will often require daily charging (or even at the end of the day for the 12 mini). They remain perfectly usable for everyday use, but if battery life is your top priority, choosing a newer generation will offer significant advantages.

In summary, the iPhone battery life comparison highlights the significant progress Apple has made: video playback has increased from approximately 15-17 hours on an iPhone 12 to nearly 30-39 hours on an iPhone 17 Pro Max. Each improvement – ​​more efficient chips, 120Hz LTPO displays, larger batteries, iOS optimization – has contributed to making the new models true champions of endurance . For the consumer in 2025, this means less battery anxiety , and the ability to fully enjoy their iPhone (videos, streaming, web, etc.) without constantly looking for a power outlet.

Final advice: if you are looking for today the For the best iPhone battery life , look to the 16 or 17 generations – especially the 16 Plus, 16 Pro Max, or 17 Pro Max – which are at the top of the rankings. And if your budget is tighter, a model like the 15 Plus or even the 13 Pro Max can still offer excellent battery life at a more affordable price. In any case, carefully consider your usage (video, web browsing, games, etc.) in the table above, and you'll find the iPhone that's right for you. From very early in the morning until the end of the night… and beyond without faltering along the way!