In the iOS 26 release notes, Apple is warning iPhone users that installing the new software might have a temporary impact on battery life, which is normal.A new support document explains that major iOS updates require background setup like indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.Further, Apple says that new features could require more resources, leading to a "small impact" on performance and battery life.
There are often complaints about battery life after a new software update, which is likely why Apple linked the new support document in the iOS 26 release notes.While the impact of software updates on battery life has been mentioned in past support documents, Apple has not explained possible battery drain after updates so explicitly.The new support document wasn't written specifically for iOS 26, and it is a generalized support document applicable to all iOS and iPadOS software updates.
Apple's support document also explains why it is important to install new versions of iOS, and how software updates work.
