IPhone users complain about battery draining quickly after latest iOS system update

4 min read
IOS 26 Foto: IOS 26 - Foto: jackpress / Shutterstock.com

The latest update to the Apple operating system has become a source of frustration for many iPhone owners. Logo After installing the new iOS, users from different parts of the world began to report a common problem: accelerated and unusual battery consumption, causing their devices to last significantly shorter than expected.

Complaints quickly spread across social networks and specialized technology forums, where consumers describe how their devices, even the most recent models, are unable to maintain a charge for a full day of moderate use. The issue appears to affect a wide range of models, from older to newer versions.

Experts point out that this drop in performance is, in part, expected. Após a major software update, the system performs a series of tasks in the background, such as reindexing files and photos, which require high processing power and, consequently, consume more energy in the first few days.

Why is my iPhone battery draining faster?

The main reason for high battery consumption right after an iOS update is the optimization processes that the system runs silently. Funções like the Spotlight search, which catalogs all files and data on the device to enable quick searches, needs to be completely rebuilt. The same happens with the Fotos application, which scans the library to identify faces, objects and locations, organizing memories automatically. Essas tasks, although essential for the new features to work properly, are intensive and require a lot of the processor, which is directly reflected in battery life. Esse “calibration” period can last from a few hours to up to three days, depending on the amount of data stored on the device and the person’s usage pattern.

Apple Intelligence and high energy consumption

The introduction of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new set of artificial intelligence capabilities, is another crucial factor in the increase in energy consumption. Essas features, which include everything from the ability to rewrite text and summarize emails to creating custom images, depend on complex data processing that occurs both on the device and in the cloud. The constant execution of these algorithms requires greater effort from the iPhone chip.

This new layer of artificial intelligence is always on, learning from usage patterns to offer personalized, proactive suggestions. Embora designed to be efficient, its initial implementation and adaptation to individual use may result in higher than normal battery consumption, especially on older iPhone models which, although compatible, may have less optimized hardware to handle this continuous workload.

Which iPhone models are most affected by the issue?

Although the battery consumption problem can be noticed in almost all models compatible with the new update, reports indicate that older iPhones, such as the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, are among the most impacted. Isso occurs due to a combination of factors.

Firstly, the batteries in these devices already wear out naturally due to time of use, which reduces their maximum capacity. Secondly, its processors, although still powerful, are less energy efficient compared to newer chips, making it more difficult to deal with new software demands without a noticeable impact on autonomy.

Updating native applications also impacts

The battery drain is not only caused by the operating system itself, but also by updating native Apple applications. Após the installation of a new iOS, apps such as Mail, Música, Podcasts and Mapas are also optimized for the new features.

This optimization may involve synchronizing large volumes of data in the background. For example, Apple Music may need to reindex its entire music library to adapt to new features, while Mail may be updating its email database.

This simultaneous activity of multiple applications, added to the reindexing of the system itself, creates a scenario of high energy demand that contributes to the perception that the battery is running out abnormally quickly.

What to do to minimize battery consumption

The first and most important recommendation is to be patient, as in most cases, battery consumption tends to normalize on its own after a period that can vary from 24 to 72 hours.

A practical tip is to leave your iPhone connected to the charger and a stable Wi-Fi network overnight. Essa action allows the system to complete the indexing and optimization processes faster without interruptions.

Checking the battery settings in “Settings” > “Battery” is also useful. The tool shows which apps are consuming the most energy, allowing you to identify whether any third-party apps are behaving inappropriately after the update.

For more critical situations, enabling “Pouca Energia Mode” can help preserve charge until the system stabilizes. Reduzir screen brightness and disabling background refresh for non-essential apps are also effective measures.

Recommendations from Apple and the community

The standard recommendation from experts and the user community itself is to wait for the system to stabilize. Apple rarely comments on post-update battery consumption unless it identifies a specific bug that needs to be fixed in a future software release.

When to expect performance to normalize

Typically, battery performance should return to expected standard within two to three days after updating. Esse is the average time it takes your iPhone to finish all background optimization tasks.

If excessive battery drain persists for more than a week, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a specific software bug or even an indication that the device’s battery health is degraded and may need to be replaced.

Luís Henrique Costa é jornalista formado pela FMU, editor-chefe e fundador do Mix Vale, portal de notícias em atividade desde 2013. Responde pela direção editorial do veículo, que cobre Brasil e mundo em economia, benefícios sociais, esportes, tecnologia, ciência e entretenimento. Atua na área há mais de 15 anos e lidera uma equipe de cerca de 15 colaboradores.

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