The release candidate version of iOS 26.1 reached compatible devices in October 2025. Independent tests compare battery performance with the initial iOS 26, released in September. The focus is on models like the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max and previous versions.
Results indicate improvements in recent flagships. The iPhone 17 Pro Max recorded 8 hours and 40 minutes of continuous use under standard conditions. This represents a gain of 34 minutes compared to iOS 26.
- iPhone 17 Pro: 7 hours and 47 minutes, increase of 38 minutes.
- iPhone SE (2022): 3 hours and 47 minutes, improvement of 13 minutes.
- iPhone 17: 6 hours and 44 minutes, reduced by 7 minutes.
This data comes from simulations at maximum brightness, mobile data and social media browsing.
Testing methodology
Researchers used identical conditions for all devices. Settings included maximum brightness without auto-adjustment, True Tone deactivated and cell phone connection with the same operator.
Devices underwent a complete reset before testing. Scripts automated actions such as scrolling through short videos and accessing notificationscations.
Eight models participated in the evaluation of the RC version of iOS 26.1. This build is equivalent to the final in 99% of cases, according to analysts.
Repeated testing has confirmed consistency on devices like the iPhone Air, which maintained 5 hours and 59 minutes over two runs.
Performance on new templates
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max stood out positively. The Pro Max even surpassed the iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18, with 8 hours and 40 minutes.
eSIM-only versions featured slightly larger batteries. Practical difference remains minimal in daily use.
Update adds up to two extra hours in everyday tasks on Pro devices. Optimizations focus on efficiency of the A19 Pro chip and power management.
Base models such as the iPhone 17 maintained stable results. Reduction of 7 minutes does not impact real perception of use.
Impact on older devices
iPhone 16 Pro recorded a worsening of 18 minutes, totaling 5 hours and 40 minutes. This reinforces the trend of shorter duration in past generations.
iPhone Air was cut by 30 minutes, reaching 5 hours and 59 minutes. Hypothesis points to encouraging accessories such as MagSafe Battery.
iPhone 16e lost 35 minutes, with 7 hours and 13 minutes. iPhone 16 Pro Max dropped 9 minutes to 7 hours and 20 minutes.
These reductions mainly affect users who maintainêm dispositivos por mais tempo.
Comparação geral em tabela
Tabela consolida dados de testes atuais e anteriores para referência.
| Modelo | iOS 18.6 | iOS 26 | iOS 26.1 RC | Diferença 26 para 26.1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | – | 8h 06min | 8h 40min | +34 minutos |
| iPhone 17 Pro | – | 7h 09min | 7h 47min | +38 minutos |
| iPhone Air | – | 6h 29min | 5h 59min | -30 minutos |
| iPhone 17 | – | 6h 51min | 6h 44min | -7 minutos |
| iPhone 16e | 7h 40min | 7h 48min | 7h 13min | -35 minutos |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 8h 28min | 7h 29min | 7h 20min | -9 minutos |
Dados destacam liderança dos novos Pro.
Efeito do Liquid Glass
iOS 26.1 introduz opção para reduzir transparência do Liquid Glass. Testes separados mostram impacto nulo na bateria.
Modos Clear e Tinted mantiveram duração idêntica em iPhone 17 Pro Max. Medições em MacRumors confirmam ausência de economia significativa.
Ajustes como Reduce Transparency ou Motion não alteram consumo relevante. Modos Low Power e Adaptive Power permanecem mais eficazes.
Variações por dispositivo
iPhone SE (2022)it approached the historic maximum at 3 hours and 47 minutes. It is only behind iOS 18.6 by 6 minutes.
iPhone 16 Pro remains one of the weakest in recent autonomy. Suggestion includes switching to newer models for noticeable gains.
iPhone Air unique among new ones with marked worsening. Fix expected in iOS 26.2.
Results vary depending on usage habits and battery cycles.
Update recommendations
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max users should install immediately. Gains reach 38 minutes on standardized tests.
iPhone 16 Pro, Air and 16e owners await iOS 26.2. Reductions reach 35 minutes in intense scenarios.
iPhone SE (2022) allows secure update. 13-minute improvement justifies transition.
Final version of iOS 26.1 arrives in the next few days after RC.
Update prioritizes optimizations on recent Apple models.