Many iPhone users have noticed that their devices are losing battery faster than usual since upgrading to iOS 26. Complaints include overheated phones, rapid drops when idle or during light use, and worries that this version might permanently degrade battery life. Apple says the issue is expected and temporary, tied to post-update background tasks and the demands of new features.
What Users Are Reporting
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After installing iOS 26, some users see battery drops of 10–20 percent within a few hours, even without heavy usage. Idle drains are especially noticeable.
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Phones feel warmer than normal, especially in the hours immediately following the update. Tasks like indexing, app updates, and syncing data appear to be contributing.
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Older iPhone models are reportedly more affected in many cases, likely because they have less headroom for handling new background demands.
What Apple Says
Apple has acknowledged what many are observing. According to the company, it is normal for a device to show reduced battery life and higher temperatures right after a major OS update. This is because the phone is performing behind-the-scenes tasks such as indexing, restoring data, updating apps, and downloading assets.
Some new features in iOS 26 also require more device resources, which can lead to a small, ongoing impact on battery life depending on individual use. Apple expects battery performance and thermal behavior to stabilize after a few days once these background tasks are complete.
How to Minimize the Drain Now
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Restart your iPhone after the update to clear any residual processes.
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Limit background app refresh and syncing for apps you do not use often.
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Check battery usage settings to see which apps are consuming the most power.
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Keep your phone in a cool environment since heat can worsen battery drain.
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Allow time for the update to settle in—many users report improvement within two to three days.
What This Means Long Term
While the initial drain should subside, some users may continue to notice higher consumption. Features in iOS 26 that rely on real-time processing can place additional strain on the device. Older iPhones or models with already weakened batteries are more likely to show lasting effects.
For most users, however, the issue should be temporary, with battery life returning to more normal levels once the system has completed its post-update tasks.
