iOS 26 update could affect iPhone's battery, performance: What Apple says

Reportedly, Apple noted on its support page that iOS 26 update may cause short-term battery drain and heating, while some new features could also have a lasting impact on iPhone performance

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Apple has rolled out the iOS 26 update for eligible iPhone users. It has also published a new support page addressing a common concern: battery drain and thermal performance after major software upgrades. On the support page, the company highlighted the importance of updating devices for security patches, bug fixes, and new features, while also acknowledging the trade-offs. Apple cautions that software updates can temporarily affect battery life and overall performance, outlining what users should expect as their devices adjust to the new system.

Short-term performance impact

According to Apple, installing a new version of iOS can trigger processes in the background that affect both battery and performance. This is noticeable with major releases such as iOS 26. After installation, your iPhone may experience faster battery drain and increased heat output. Apple attributes this to the system’s need to complete tasks like data indexing, file organisation for search, downloading new system assets, and updating apps for compatibility.

 

The company reassures users that these effects are temporary and generally resolve after the background processes finish. According to Apple’s support page, “Immediately after completing an update, particularly a major release, you might notice a temporary impact on battery life and thermal performance. This is normal, as your device needs time to complete the setup process in the background.” 

Long-term impact possible

Apple also admits that certain new features could demand more resources from the device, potentially leading to a sustained impact on both performance and battery. The company noted that “continually works to optimise these features in software updates to ensure great battery life and a smooth user experience.”

 

For iPhone owners, the takeaway is to expect short-term changes in battery and performance after installing iOS 26. While most of these issues fade within a few days, some may persist depending on how resource-heavy the new features are. 

 

 

Apple is basically saying two things here:

• It is normal for the iPhone’s battery to drain more and for the device to get warmer, temporarily following a major software update.
• But there can also potentially be a longer-term impact on performance and battery if certain new features “require additional resources from the device.”