iPhone users are only just realising why their battery drops in cold weather

15 January 2024 , 13:34

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If your iPhone is cold, its performance may not be as good as usual (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The mercury has dropped significantly, and while we can layer up and wrap up warm, our phones feel the cold, which may cause your battery to plummet unexpectedly, leaving you with no way of contacting people if you need to.

There's nothing worse than needing to call one of your pals, or needing to scan a QR code, and your phone being out of power - especially if you have no charger. But did you know that the cold weather could have something to do with your low battery?

Technology expert, Christoph Cemper from AIPRM.com, has explained the reason why your iPhone may "suddenly power down", sharing that "extreme cold temperatures are no friend to your gadget."

Christoph said: "In the icy throes of winter, your iPhone's battery faces a serious struggle. Leave it out in the cold, and you might find yourself wondering why it's playing hard to get.

"This chilly weather doesn't just slow down your iPhone; it throws its battery performance off balance, leaving you in the lurch. In some cases, your iPhone might just decide to call it quits and turn off entirely. It's those lithium-ion batteries in your iPhone that decide to go on strike in freezing temperatures, refusing to discharge electricity. This rebellion leads to a shortened battery life, display glitches, and, if you're really unlucky, a shattered display glass."

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It isn't just the battery that can be impacted either - the "touchscreen might ghost you" too, and "in extreme cases, the whole phone just shuts down", which is less than ideal, especially when you're out and about.

Apple has issued advice on their website. They advise when the temperature drops below freezing, it's time to give your iPhone a warm break, preferably turned off and stored somewhere cosier. But iPhone users should avoid using a hairdryer or a hot bath to warm it up.

Before your battery dies, there will be warning signs to look out for, however, including your apps responding slowly, the flashlight not working, your phone dimming, volume dropping, and even lower frame rates during scrolling, slowing down your usually seamless experience.

Christoph shared that "cold weather is only a temporary headache for your iPhone", and the "real villain here the heat", as it can cause "permanent battery damage."

Danielle Kate Wroe