Our Technology Editor Provides Expert Answers to Your Tricky Tech Questions
Ensuring the health of your phone’s battery is crucial. Photo: Kinga Krzeminska/Getty
How Can I Update My Old iPad?
There are several features I would like to use on my old iPad, but it keeps prompting me to update to the latest software and connect to a computer with iTunes. Can you help? — Brian O’Leary
Answer:
To update your old iPad, simply take your regular charging cable and connect the USB end (the rectangular part usually inserted into a plug) to your laptop or desktop computer. While it is easier if you have an iMac or MacBook, it should still work on a Windows PC. Your computer should automatically detect the connection and display a pop-up message asking if you want to “update” or “restore” your iPad. Click on “update” and follow the upgrade steps. Keep in mind that this process is free, as Apple does not charge for software updates.
Is it Possible to Replace the Battery on My Two-Year-Old iPhone?
I am hesitant to upgrade my two-year-old iPhone, but the battery life seems to be deteriorating. Could the battery be faulty, or is it possible to replace it? — Fintan Purcell
Answer:
The cost of battery replacement directly from Apple for most older iPhone models is €99. You can book this service through authorized Apple service providers in Ireland, such as Harvey Norman, iConnect, or Select (formerly CompuB).
Rechargeable batteries on any device gradually lose capacity with each use, and this is inevitable. Generally, you should expect to get at least a year or two of satisfactory battery life from a smartphone. To check the status of your battery, go to “settings” and then “battery” (swipe down twice). Tap on “battery health” and you will see the “maximum capacity” displayed as a percentage. When your phone is brand new, this percentage will read “100%.” With normal use and regular charging, this percentage will gradually decrease over time. After about a year, I would expect it to still be at least 90%. If it starts dipping below 80%, you may start noticing a decrease in performance.
To extend your battery’s lifespan, try not to leave it plugged in all night, as this can be detrimental. Additionally, one major factor that drains battery life is having the screen on maximum brightness. You can adjust this by swiping down from the top right corner of your iPhone’s screen and reducing the brightness slider.
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