iOS 26 battery drain: What customers are saying post-update

Apple might have created an issue with the most recent model of iOS.

Since iOS 26 launched in September, there have been studies across the web of the brand new replace considerably shortening battery life, even on newer iPhones. For example, one consumer on Apple’s help message board posted a thread initially of this month claiming that their model new iPhone 15 was impacted, and as they put it, the one doable clarification is iOS 26.

“As we speak, I used to be busy all day and didn’t use my cellphone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but it nonetheless dropped from 90% to 45% with out doing something. No apps have been open, the “Refresh apps in background” possibility was not enabled, the display was set to show off robotically after 30 seconds, and automated brightness was enabled,” the consumer wrote. “So it is undoubtedly not the cellphone’s fault as a result of it is model new with a 100% authentic battery, neither is it the settings as a result of it was in everlasting mode. So the fault lies solely with iOS. There are not any excuses.”

There are additionally prolonged Reddit threads about it. For instance, in one thread, customers with iPhones as previous because the iPhone 13 and as new because the iPhone 16 identified they have been getting a number of hours much less of battery life in comparison with what they’d earlier than the replace. Consumer Responsible_Film_778, who has an iPhone 13 Professional Max, summed it up succinctly.

“I’ve changed the battery final yr with Apple and it was distinctive with iOS 18.6. I used to be ending the day with 87% battery left with gentle utilization. Now I’m fortunate if it’s above 50%,” the consumer wrote. “It appears to eat the battery when scrolling by way of the Liquid Glass enhanced tabs or panels. Actually upset with this replace. I’ve 98% battery well being however it acts prefer it has misplaced 1/3 of its capability. Hopefully a brand new replace will come quickly to rectify the issue.”

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Naturally, you do not have to go far on X to seek out individuals mad about this, both. Consumer @Digitalix complained that their iPhone 16 Professional is now solely a “half-day cellphone” because of the iOS 26 replace.

In fact, this hasn’t all occurred with none form of response from Apple. The corporate has a help web page with details about doable battery life downgrades because of software program updates. In line with Apple, it would simply be non permanent and will go away by itself as the corporate makes additional updates to iOS 26.

“Instantly after finishing an replace, notably a serious launch, you may discover a brief impression on battery life and thermal efficiency. That is regular, as your system wants time to finish the setup course of within the background, together with indexing information and information for search, downloading new property, and updating apps.

New options are thrilling and make it easier to get much more out of your Apple product, although some might require further sources from the system. Relying on particular person utilization, some customers might discover a small impression on efficiency and/or battery life. Apple regularly works to optimize these options in software program updates to make sure nice battery life and a easy consumer expertise.”

Customers within the Apple help discussion board and Reddit threads additionally steered some doable fixes, and Mashable beforehand wrote in regards to the new “Adaptive Energy” setting in iOS 26. It appears like updating all your apps after which energy biking the cellphone helped some individuals, as third-party apps might not be optimized to run effectively on iOS 26 instantly. There are additionally different measures you’ll be able to take, similar to turning off ProMotion on higher-end iPhones or activating Low Energy Mode.

Fingers crossed anybody coping with this is ready to repair it with out sending their cellphone off to Apple for a battery substitute.