iPhone users around the world reported a significant increase in battery consumption shortly after installing iOS 26, released in September 2025. Apple acknowledged the problem and explained that this phenomenon is to be expected in the first few days after the update. The operating system performs intensive tasks in the background to adapt the software to each device’s specific hardware.
These activities include reindexing files for faster searches, downloading visual and artificial intelligence resources, and automatically updating applications compatible with the new functions. Todas these operations require additional processing on the chip, which temporarily increases energy consumption. The company emphasizes that the impact is temporary and that the battery returns to normal performance after these processes are completed.
Older models, such as the iPhone 11, may feel the effect more intensely due to less efficiency in multitasking tasks. Já devices with A17 chips or higher handle AI data indexing better, reducing the adaptation period to less than 24 hours.
- Keep your iPhone connected to the charger for the first few hours after the update.
- Manually activate low consumption mode to gain up to 15% more autonomy at this stage.
- Avoid heavy use of new AI functions until complete stabilization.
Apple recommends these practices to minimize disruptions while the system adjusts.
Liquid glass design arrives in iOS 26
iOS 26 introduced the concept of liquid glass, an interface inspired by translucent and reflective materials. Elementos such as icons, navigation bars and notifications gain dynamic depth, changing depending on the user’s viewing angle. Essa approach replaces the flat design of previous versions with a more fluid and immersive look.
Liquid glass automatically adapts to the screen background, adjusting tones and transparencies to maintain readability. Testes in beta versions indicated that around 70% of participants approved the expressiveness of the new style. However, 30% mentioned initial visual fatigue due to increased transparency in some components.
The lock screen now supports widgets with 3D motion effects integrated into the liquid glass. Native Aplicativos, like Câmera and Safari, have been redesigned to harmonize with the new materials, improving responsiveness to touches and gestures.
- Icons with rounded edges and subtle reflections.
- Scroll bars that shrink during navigation.
- App folders with adaptable frosted glass effect.
- Semi-transparent notifications that blend into the background.
These changes aim to create a more integrated and personalized experience in the Apple ecosystem.
Expanded artificial intelligence in the system
Apple Intelligence gained significant expansions in iOS 26, with tools that process data directly on the device to preserve privacy. Funções as real-time translation covers audio and text in apps like Mensagens and FaceTime, including support for Brazilian Portuguese. The system also suggests automatic actions, such as adding events to the calendar from photos.
Users can create custom emojis via Genmoji or generate images from simple descriptions with Image Playground. Todas these tools operate locally, reducing latency and data leakage risks.
- Support live translation in more than 10 languages.
- Automatic email summaries with purchase details.
- Contextual suggestions in chat groups.
- Integration with ChatGPT for complex queries, with privacy checks.
Reports indicate gains of up to 25% in productivity for daily tasks, such as calendar organization and text editing. The Atalhos app has incorporated advanced AI actions for personalized automations.
Improvements in communication and usability
The Telefone app unified sections such as Favoritos and Recentes into a single tab, simplifying contact management. Call filter has evolved to display more information about the sender, enabling informed decisions before answering.
New call waiting assistance detects pauses on support lines and notifies you when the attendant returns. No Mensagens, filters separate conversations from strangers, and integrated votes facilitate group decisions.
AI-generated custom backgrounds adapt to the tone of conversations, adding creativity. Essas updates combat spam, which affects more than 40% of global calls.
- Unified layout in call history.
- Quick reactions in CarPlay conversations.
- Automatic spam detection by risk score.
- Voting suggestions based on the context of the discussion.
The focus on usability reduces daily stress, especially for professionals who depend on efficient communication.
Additional features and requirements
Apple Music has adopted AutoMix, which creates smooth transitions between tracks simulating professional mixes, as well as translating lyrics into other languages. Mapas automatically records visited locations and suggests optimized routes based on past traffic patterns.
In Wallet, installment payments via Apple Pay are now supported, and boarding passes show real-time flight updates. The new Apple Games centralizes titles, events, and integration with Arcade for easy discovery.
Accessibility has advanced with an improved reader and expanded braille support. Essas additions maintain security updates on all supported models.
iOS 26 requires iPhone 11 or later, but advanced AI functions are limited to newer models, such as iPhone 16. Installation occurs via Configurações > Geral > Atualização from Software.
Energy consumption in different models
Independent tests confirm that the initial process after the update can increase consumption by up to 20% in the first charge cycles. Esse period is essential for complete adaptation to new settings and resources.
iPhone prioritizes intensive tasks during non-active times, like at night, to minimize interruptions. Ainda therefore, active use accelerates drainage during this adjustment phase.
Recent models process AI indexing more efficiently, shortening time to impact. Apple recommends keeping the device charging during these initial hours to avoid inconvenience.
Enabling AI-enhanced Low Power Mode extends autonomy in this transition. Funções local rendering, such as image generation, may slightly prolong the effect on users who explore them shortly after installation.
