By Harshit | September 24, 2025 | Cupertino, Calif. | 2:45 PM EST
Users Report Sharp Battery Drops After Update
Since Apple rolled out iOS 26 last week, many iPhone owners have noticed their devices draining power faster than usual. Some users on Reddit claim their phones lost as much as 50% of battery life after just 90 minutes of normal use, sparking concerns that the update is causing lasting performance issues.
Apple Responds: “This Is Normal”
Apple acknowledged the complaints but downplayed the fears, saying the dip in battery life is expected after a major software update. In a statement posted on its support site, the company explained:
“This is normal, as your device needs time to complete the setup process in the background, including indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.”
According to Apple, these processes temporarily use extra power but should settle within a few days. Past iOS updates have shown similar patterns, with battery performance typically stabilizing between one and three days post-installation.
New Features That Use More Power
While Apple insists the changes are temporary, the company also noted that some new iOS 26 features may draw more resources. Adaptive Power Mode, available on iPhone 15 Pro models and newer, uses Apple Intelligence technology to manage performance by limiting background activity and adjusting screen brightness.
Another addition, Optimized Battery Charging, now displays an estimate of how long it will take for a full charge, giving users better insight into their power usage.
Should You Delay the Update?
Experts advise against skipping the update for too long. While waiting may help if you rely heavily on your phone during a busy week, delaying means missing important security patches and new features. For most users, the short-term inconvenience of faster battery drain will likely resolve itself within days.
Looking Ahead
Apple has not announced any immediate fixes beyond what’s already built into iOS 26. However, as users continue to test the update, future patches may refine battery performance further. For now, Apple’s advice is clear: be patient, and your iPhone should return to normal soon.
