iOS 26: Apple explains impact on battery life and performance
Apple has published a support document explaining how iOS and iPadOS updates can affect battery runtime, performance and device temperature. The company describes why these changes occur, how long they typically last, and what users can do to help their devices return to normal.
Why you may see changes after updating
- Background system tasks: indexing, photo analysis, and system database updates can temporarily increase CPU usage and battery drain.
- App re-optimization: apps and system services may recompile or update caches after a major OS update.
- Temporary heat from higher processor activity while the device finishes setup tasks.
How long it lasts
Apple and reporting sources indicate this is usually temporary — typically a few days (often 1–4 days) while background processes finish.
Troubleshooting & tips
- Keep the device charged and connected overnight so it can finish indexing and updates.
- Enable Optimized Battery Charging in Settings to protect long-term battery health.
- Restart or force-restart the device if you notice unusually high activity after 48+ hours.
- Update apps to their latest versions (some apps receive updates for compatibility after major OS releases).
- Monitor Battery usage in Settings to identify apps using excess power and consider reinstalling misbehaving apps.
- If issues persist beyond several days, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for diagnostics.
Official Apple resources:
If you noticed battery, heat, or performance changes after installing iOS 26 (or any iOS/iPadOS update), tell us what device you have and what you observed — your experience can help others troubleshoot.