Why is charge cycle count not allowed under iOS API?

Question

Why is charge cycle count not allowed under iOS API?

First, can someone confirm, as the developer of System Status (techet.net) states, regarding the charge cycle count, "This information unfortunately is not accessible through the iOS API. In the past some apps managed to use private API (which is explicitly prohibited by Apple) and sneak through the review process."

Is that correct? If so, can anyone shed light onto why that would be? Apple frequently refers to the cycle count in its own battery discussions, and yet no longer seems to make that info available in iOS Settings, and I can no longer find it in any apps in the App Store. Curious.

Without that statistic, would you recommend that I just use something like "Design Capacity" as reported for example by Battery Life Doctor (Wei Zhe), indicating, in my case, 1400/1810 mAh (77%)? I'm inclined to think that at that level, it might suit me to replace the battery, eh?

Thanks.

iPhone 6, iOS 10.3.3

Posted on Dec 14, 2017 1:39 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 14, 2017 1:44 PM in response to Keith Gardner1

No one here would be able to answer why Apple doesn't allow that information to be used.

I recommend apps such as Battery Life (not, I think, the same app you referenced) as tool to determine when to take the phone to Apple for complete diagnostics. So, yes, you should consult Apple regarding possibly replacing your battery.

iPhone Battery & Power - Official Apple Support

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Answer 2

SergZak

Level 6

10,338 points

Dec 14, 2017 1:57 PM in response to Keith Gardner1

The cycle count as well as other internal battery specifics were available in previous/older versions of iOS but I really can't say if they were accessed using a Private API as you've stated. I do know that of the two battery apps that *do* show this info, they are both running on devices running iOS 9.3.5. I believe iOS 10 began blocking this battery info. The two devices that I have mentioned are an iPhone 5s and an iPad mini 4.

I have another iPad mini 4 that is running iOS 11.x and running the same battery apps give very little info regarding the internal battery specifics.

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