Here’s why iOS 26 quickly drains your iPhone’s battery

iOS 26 is now available for all compatible iPhones starting from the iPhone 11. However, many users have noticed that their battery drains faster since the update. So, what’s the reason behind this? We’ll explain everything.

It’s finally possible to install iOS 26 if your iPhone is compatible. This rollout follows the unveiling of the iPhone 17, which natively supports this operating system. However, battery life is affected for many users who have raised their concerns on Reddit. The situation is reminiscent of the release of One UI 7 based on Android 15 for Samsung devices.

Why Does iOS 26 Drain My iPhone Battery Quickly?

Apple has reassured users that this situation is normal because, after each update, the iPhone initiates a number of background processes:

  • Indexing files for search.
  • Downloading new elements.
  • Updating applications and performing other system tasks.

These background operations consume significantly more energy and cause the iPhone to heat up. The Cupertino-based company also points out that the new features require more resources, which temporarily affects performance and battery life. Typically, it takes about one to two days for everything to return to normal.

Additionally, there’s the human factor, as users often spend the first few hours testing the new features and getting accustomed to the new Liquid Glass design. This aesthetic requires the iPhone to adjust at the system level, which explains the increased power consumption.

In simple terms, the iPhone is just doing its necessary background adaptations, and it takes a few days to restore normal performance and battery life. Meanwhile, users are enjoying iOS 26 and its complete interface overhaul, which gives many the feeling of owning a brand-new smartphone. Each major iOS update tends to bring its share of minor issues, with impacted battery life usually being the first to surface.

In summary: the only solution is to exercise patience while your iPhone adjusts to this substantial update.

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