Top 20 iPhone myths debunked by a repair expert

When it comes to iPhones, there are plenty of myths out there. Some are outdated, and some flat-out wrong. Whether it’s charging habits, Face ID fears or doubts about refurbished iPhones, misinformation can lead to unnecessary worry, or poor choices that could even make matters worse.

We asked Allar Satsi, Swappie’s Repair Department Lead, to weigh in on the 20 most common iPhone myths still floating around today. In a game of ‘true or false,’ Allar breaks down what you really need to know about iPhones, and how to keep them running smoothly. 

1. Refurbished iPhones are low quality

False: Not when you buy from a trusted source like Swappie. Every phone goes through a 52-step testing process and includes a warranty, so you get a phone that performs like new, without having to pay full price.

2. Closing background apps saves battery

False: iOS freezes apps in the background, so closing them constantly actually drains more battery as they reload.

3. iPhones don’t get viruses

False: They’re more secure than many devices, but iPhones are still vulnerable to phishing links and shady profiles.

“Even apps from the official store can contain viruses,” warns Allar. “After Apple introduced support for third-party app stores, the chance of getting a virus has increased significantly. The only way to protect a device from viruses is to ensure it has no network connections and nothing is installed from internal storage.” 

If this is not possible, be sure that you only use apps from trustworthy app developers.

4. Charging overnight ruins your battery

False: iPhones use smart charging to pause at 80% and finish charging just before you wake up, protecting battery health.

5. You need to use only Apple chargers

False: Any MFi-certified (Made for iPhone) cable is safe. You don’t need to buy from Apple directly to charge safely.

“I’d say the cable doesn’t have a major impact on charging speed, and having MFi-certified cables doesn’t guarantee high conductivity – unless it’s for Lightning devices,” says Allar. “The more widely used USB Type-C doesn’t use such protocols, but it is still strongly recommended to charge with MFi-certified cables.”

6. More megapixels mean better camera quality

False: Camera quality depends more on image processing and sensor size. Apple’s iPhones deliver great photos without chasing megapixels.

Allar’s advice: “A high number of megapixels creates more noise in photos and requires more processing power to handle the image. The most important role is played by image processing algorithms, and nowadays, AI technologies are key.”

7. iPhones are waterproof

False: They’re water-resistant, not waterproof. A quick splash might be fine—but water damage isn’t covered under warranty.

According to Allar, “iPhones come with an IP68 rating – protection against dust and the ability to submerge the phone in fresh water up to 2 meters deep for up to 30 minutes.”

All the phones sold at Swappie are refurbished and have been through a comprehensive control process. For this reason, we can unfortunately not guarantee that the original water resistance certifications will remain valid.

8. You need to fully drain your battery before charging

False: That’s old advice. Today’s lithium-ion batteries last longer with regular partial charges.

“This is old advice relevant to older types of batteries, where a full discharge helped activate the battery,” Allar says. “Lithium-ion batteries don’t require full discharge before use. In fact, it’s recommended to avoid complete discharge and also avoid charging above 85% to extend battery lifespan.”

9. Refurbished iPhones don’t get iOS updates

False: As long as the model is still supported by Apple, it will get the same software updates as new iPhones.

10. Refurbished iPhones don’t last as long

False: With quality refurbishment like Swappie’s, they absolutely can. Worn parts are replaced, and each phone is tested to perform like new.

11. Airplane Mode charges your phone faster

Mostly false: It might help a little by reducing background activity, but it won’t make a big difference. A fast charger is more effective.

12. You must quit all apps to keep your iPhone fast

False: iOS handles background apps smartly. Constantly closing and reopening apps can actually slow things down and waste battery.

“Open apps use almost no resources, as they are automatically offloaded from memory. Only essential data remains in RAM to allow for quick reopening,” explains Allar.

13. 5G always means faster speeds

False: 5G performance depends on location, network congestion, and carrier—not just your phone’s capabilities.

Allar says: “5G often does provide faster speeds, but if certain factors affect the connection, the phone should switch to 4G+ mode.”

14. Face ID doesn’t work with makeup or glasses

False: Face ID adapts to changes in your appearance—including glasses, makeup, or even a fresh haircut.

15. iPhones don’t slow down over time

Partly true: While hardware ages, much of the slowdown comes from software updates or old batteries—which you can replace.

Allar emphasises that “it’s worth noting that iPhones don’t slow down significantly because their system is perfectly optimised to work with just one line of devices. As a result, performance degradation is often not noticeable to the user.”

16. More storage means a faster iPhone

False: Storage size doesn’t equal speed. However, leaving space free can help prevent slowdowns due to system load.

17. Safari is worse than Chrome on iPhone

False: Safari is actually more battery-efficient and faster on iOS than Chrome, because it’s optimised specifically for the iPhone.

18. iPhones don’t need antivirus protection

Mostly true: Antivirus apps aren’t needed, but you still need to avoid phishing scams, fake websites, and unknown links.

19. Wireless charging damages the battery

False: Certified wireless chargers are safe. Apple manages heat and charging intelligently to protect battery health.

20. Refurbished iPhones always have old batteries

False: All iPhones refurbished by Swappie will have at least 86% battery life, so you can count on reliable performance without worrying about constant recharging or battery issues.

Why knowing the truth matters

Misinformation can lead to poor buying decisions—or even damage your device. Whether you’re deciding how to charge your iPhone or considering a refurbished model, knowing the truth can help you get more from your phone (and your money).

Swappie makes buying refurbished iPhones simple, safe, and transparent. Each device is professionally tested, includes a warranty, and offers you premium performance—without the premium price.

Want to save on your next iPhone?

Explore our range of expertly refurbished iPhones, all tested in-house by Swappie technicians. With a 14-day free return policy and 12-month warranty, you can shop confidently and sustainably.

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