Your iPhone battery may drain faster after iOS 26 update – here’s why

Apple is pushing out iOS 26 as the new major version update to the software of the iPhone. But there’s one thing to be aware of – your battery life might be worse

Today is the day Apple rolls out iOS 26, the latest major software update for the iPhone. The successor to iOS 18 is named in line with the year it’s expected to be most widely used – in this case, 2026.

iOS 26 introduces a fresh aesthetic to iPhones with Liquid Glass, a design language inspired by that of Apple’s Vision Pro headset, now seen across all Apple devices including the iPad and Apple Watch.

You can delve into all the new features of iOS 26 in my roundup of the top five additions, but one less thrilling aspect to note is that post-update, you might find your iPhone’s battery draining slightly faster than usual.

This won’t necessarily happen to your iPhone, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you notice a dip in battery life. Upgrading an iPhone from one version of iOS to a completely new one isn’t just a superficial makeover.

The phone has to entirely reindex all your apps and data and optimise them for the new iOS version, reports the Express.

This process is far more complex than simply changing a wallpaper or updating a single app. Your phone is essentially installing a brand new operating system.

This triggers hundreds of necessary background processes that can take hours or even days to finish. They’re not permanent, but they can often result in a noticeable decrease in your iPhone’s battery life.

This could also stem from increased phone usage as you explore all the shiny new features following the update. However, background processes are the main culprit.

Apple has its own reasoning for why battery performance might dip after installing a fresh iOS version.

“If you notice that your battery life has decreased after updating your iPhone, wait a few days and then check again,” the company advises on a support page.

“Even though you can use your iPhone immediately after an update, certain tasks related to the update continue in the background and might affect battery life and thermal performance. While they are ongoing, you might see the Insight Ongoing iOS Update in Settings > Battery.”

That “Ongoing iOS Update” alert you may spot in your Settings app’s battery section signals that processes are still settling in. Shortly afterwards, you should witness a return to normal performance.

Previously, users have pointed the finger at planned obsolescence for diminished battery life post-software update – the notion that tech giants deliberately degrade your battery over time to push you towards purchasing a replacement device. It’s tricky to definitively pinpoint the cause, but background processes are likely culprits.

Additionally, new software features that come with complimentary iOS (or Android) updates can consume more power, especially on older phone models with less robust processing capabilities.

Thirdly, you might simply be observing a shorter battery life due to your phone’s natural battery capacity degradation. The continual charging and discharging of any battery in any product inevitably leads to reduced longevity over time.

Rather than splashing out on a new iPhone, consider investing in a new battery through Apple’s official service. It may set you back around £100, but it’s still cheaper than buying a brand-new phone.

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