iPhone 16 Battery Life: Full Insights for 2025

You’re halfway through your day—Spotify’s been on, messages are flying, and you’ve snapped a few photos. Then, you glance at your iPhone and… down to 27%. A familiar scenario, isn’t it?

Although the iPhone 17 has already taken center stage, the iPhone 16 continues to be a widely used device, making its battery performance a pressing concern for many. After all, longevity on a single charge remains one of the most decisive factors in the overall smartphone experience.

In this article, we’ll examine the iPhone 16 battery life in depth—from the distinctions between models and insights from real-world usage, to charging efficiency and the accessories that can ensure you remain powered throughout the day.

 

 

How Good Is iPhone 16 Battery Life? Model by Model

Battery life in the iPhone 16 lineup is not the same—each model delivers a different level of endurance depending on its size and hardware configuration. In the sections below, we will first examine the estimated capacities and daily performance of each model, and then compare the iPhone 16’s results with both its predecessor and successor to see how it truly measures up.

How Big Are the Batteries and How Long Can They Last?

Apple does not officially disclose battery capacities, but independent testing and industry estimates provide a reliable indication of real-world performance. According to data compiled by PhoneArena, the iPhone 16 lineup shows the following estimated capacities and typical endurance across activities such as browsing, video streaming, and gaming.

Model	Battery Size (Estimated mAh)	Battery Life (Estimated)	Browsing	Video streaming	Gaming
iPhone 16	Around 3,561 mAh	6h 21min	16h 48min	7h 30min	9h 52min
iPhone 16 Plus	Around 4,674 mAh	7h 31min	18h 5min	10h 24min	10h 32min
iPhone 16 Pro	Around 3,582 mAh	6h 35min	16h 35min	8h 29min	9h 39min
iPhone 16 Pro Max	Around 4,685 mAh	8h 30min	22h 39min	10h 24min	12h 4min

Battery size and endurance figures are based on estimates from PhoneArena.

The standard iPhone 16 delivers enough power for an entire workday with moderate use, while the Plus variant extends that margin, making it more suitable for users who spend hours streaming or scrolling through social platforms. The Pro model refines efficiency slightly compared with the base version, but it is the Pro Max that stands apart—its larger cell translates into outstanding endurance, consistently lasting well beyond a single day and, for lighter routines, comfortably reaching into the following morning.

How Does iPhone 16 Battery Life Compare to iPhone 15 and iPhone 17?

How long is the battery life on the iPhone 16 compared with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 17 lineups? The table below shows video playback times for every model.

Model	iPhone 15 (Video / Streamed)	iPhone 16 (Video / Streamed)	iPhone 17 (Video / Streamed)
Base	20h / 16h	22h / 18h	30h / 27h
Plus / Equivalent	26h / 20h	27h / 24h	— (no iPhone 17 Plus) *
Pro	23h / 20h	27h / 22h	33h / 30h
Pro Max	29h / 25h	33h / 29h	39h / 35h

* In 2025, Apple discontinued the “Plus” model. Instead, the lineup introduced the iPhone Air, which is positioned similarly as a large-screen non-Pro device but with a lighter form factor. Its endurance is 27h / 22h (video / streamed), making it a reasonable reference point for the former Plus tier.

Looking at the numbers, the iPhone 16 series made meaningful improvements over the iPhone 15 lineup, particularly for the Pro and Pro Max models, which each gained several extra hours of video playback. With the iPhone 17 generation, Apple pushed endurance even further, especially for the Pro Max, which now reaches an industry-leading 39 hours of offline video playback. While the standard iPhone 17 shows the most dramatic leap compared with its predecessors, the iPhone 16 still strikes an attractive balance for users who value performance without immediately upgrading to the newest device.

How Fast Can the iPhone 16 Charge?

Let’s switch focus to charging speeds. You’ll want to know how quickly your iPhone 16 can bounce back to full power. Fast charging matters when you’re on the go. In this section, we’ll outline both wired and wireless charging options and how they perform on the iPhone 16 range.

Wired USBC Charging

For the quickest power-up, wired charging is still the most effective choice. The iPhone 16 supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD), so you can pair it with almost any PD-compliant adapter. Using a 20W power adapter with a quality USB-C cable is enough to take the battery from 0 % to about 50 % in roughly 30 minutes.

For the best results, use a certified cable and avoid cheap, uncertified accessories — they can limit speeds or cause extra heat.

Wireless Charging (MagSafe & Qi2)

At launch, the iPhone 16 series supported wireless charging at up to 15W, whether through MagSafe or Qi2-certified accessories. While this level was adequate for casual top-ups, it lagged behind the efficiency of wired USB-C charging.

With the release of iOS 26, Apple expanded support to 25W wireless charging when paired with the latest MagSafe puck and a 30W (or higher) adapter. Under these conditions, users can now reach around 50% charge in roughly 30 minutes, bringing wireless performance much closer to wired standards.

Importantly, the same update also extended 25W support to Qi2-certified chargers. This development not only gives users more flexibility but also reduces reliance on Apple’s proprietary MagSafe ecosystem, offering comparable speeds across a wider range of accessories.

Tips to Maximise iPhone 16 Battery Life

With a few simple adjustments, you can significantly extend your iPhone 16’s endurance and preserve its long-term health. Here, we’ve gathered some practical tips that are easy to apply and genuinely useful for getting more out of every charge.

[if !supportLists]l [endif]Adjust screen brightness: Keep brightness at a comfortable but moderate level. Constantly using maximum brightness drains the battery much faster.

[if !supportLists]l [endif]Turn on Optimised Battery Charging: This feature learns your routine and slows charging past 80% when you don’t need a full charge immediately, helping the battery stay healthy longer.

[if !supportLists]l [endif]Use Low Power Mode wisely: When you’re out all day or your battery is running low, switch to Low Power Mode to reduce background activity and stretch remaining power.

[if !supportLists]l [endif]Limit background refresh for unused apps: Check which apps are constantly updating in the background and disable it for those you rarely open. It cuts both power and data use.

[if !supportLists]l [endif]Prefer Wi-Fi over mobile data: Wi-Fi uses less energy than a cellular connection, so connect to trusted networks whenever you can.

[if !supportLists]l [endif]Keep iOS up to date: Installing the latest iOS version can improve battery efficiency and overall system performance.

[if !supportLists]l [endif]Upgrade your charging gear: Use certified, high-quality chargers and cables. They help your phone charge more efficiently and protect the battery from unnecessary strain.

2025’s Best iPhone 16 Charging Gear Worth Buying

When it comes to charging, choosing the right accessories makes a difference. Let’s explore the top Anker options for wired, wireless and onthemove charging.

Best USBC PD Charger: Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W)

If speed is what you care about, wired charging still rules. The Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) feels almost made for the iPhone 16—small, pocket-friendly, and fast enough to hit 50% in about half an hour. ActiveShield 3.0 adds a layer of reassurance by monitoring heat, something cheaper adapters often neglect. The downside? One port means it’s built for the minimalist, not the multitasker. Still, compared with Apple’s own 20W brick, the Nano is both stronger and easier to carry around.

 

 

Best Wireless Charger: Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe

Wireless charging has always been about convenience, not speed. The Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe embraces that philosophy. It tops out at 15W for the iPhone 16, which isn’t groundbreaking, but it handles your Watch and AirPods in the same footprint—a real advantage on cluttered desks or nightstands. The foldable design feels well thought out: portable enough for a carry-on, solid enough for a permanent spot at home. If you’re after raw speed, wired is still faster. But for simplicity, this cube is tough to beat.

 

 

Best Portable Charger: Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim)

The Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim) fills the one gap neither of the others can cover: power away from a wall socket. At 5,000 mAh, it’s not built for marathon recharges—you’ll get roughly one full boost on an iPhone 16. But it’s slim, pocketable, and snaps on magnetically, so you don’t need to wrestle with cables while you’re out. Qi2 wireless charging at 15W is fine for slow refills, but the 20W USB-C output makes it genuinely useful if you need a quicker hit. If there’s a trade-off, it’s capacity—this isn’t a weekend-long lifeline. It’s a safety net for when the low-battery warning pops up at 5 p.m. and you still have plans.

 

 

Conclusion

The iPhone 16 battery life shows real progress over the iPhone 15, with the Pro and Pro Max models standing out for their endurance. USB-C fast charging brings your phone back to usable levels quickly, while MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging are increasingly convenient alternatives. Simple habits—like moderating screen brightness, updating iOS, and limiting background activity—help you maximise performance day to day.

Accessories complete the picture. From the compact Nano charger to the 3-in-1 Cube and slim Nano Power Banks, Anker ensures you stay powered everywhere. Explore Anker’s charging lineup today and choose the gear that best matches your routine.

FAQs

What is the battery life of the iPhone 16?

The base iPhone 16 delivers up to 22 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 Plus extends that to about 27 hours. The iPhone 16 Pro increases endurance further with up to 27 hours, and the Pro Max leads the lineup with an impressive 33 hours of video playback. In short, the larger the device, the longer the battery lasts, with the Pro Max offering the best stamina overall.

How long is the battery life on the iPhone 15 vs 16?

The iPhone 15 offers up to 20 hours of video playback and up to 80 hours of audio play. By contrast, the iPhone 16 improves that to around 22 hours of video and up to 80 hours of audio on the base model; the Plus version of iPhone 16 pushes those video hours up to 27. The iPhone 16 gives you noticeably more screen-time vs the 15.

Which iPhone 17 will have the best battery?

Among the iPhone 17 lineup, the Pro Max clearly leads. Apple lists up to 39 hours of video playback and 35 hours streamed, the longest of the three. The Pro model offers up to 33 hours, while the standard iPhone 17 reaches about 30. If you want the best endurance between charges, the Pro Max is the strongest pick.

Does the iPhone 16 have fast charging?

Yes. With a 20W or higher USB-C adapter, the iPhone 16 can recharge to about 50% in 30 minutes using wired Power Delivery. With the release of iOS 26, Apple expanded support to 25W wireless charging when paired with a 30W (or higher) adapter.