iOS 26 is now available for iPhone users to install, and a new webpage from Apple seeks to explain why software updates are important, but also their potential impact on battery life and performance.iOS 26 might impact your iPhone’s battery and performance, but for most users it will be temporary Apple has just published a new support document that explains the ins and outs of software updates, including why they’re important.It explains, for example, the difference between “major releases (e.g., 26.0) and minor releases (e.g., 26.1 or 26.1.1).” But the most interesting tidbits come from a section titled, ‘Performance and battery impact’: Apple is basically saying two things here: It’s normal for the iPhone’s battery to drain more, and for the device to get warmer, following a major software update.
But there can also to performance and/or battery if certain new features “require additional resources from the device.” This shouldn’t necessarily come as a surprise to anyone who has lots of experience with iPhone software updates, but it’s noteworthy nonetheless.The main takeaway? After installing iOS 26, or any other major software update, there will be an initial period of additional background processing that puts a strain on your device.This should be a non-issue after the first couple days.
But yes, there is also a chance of ongoing battery impact if, for example, you pour a lot of use into new features that are particularly resource-intense.This all depends on “individual usage,” as Apple says, but it is a possibility.Again though, this reality is nothing new in iOS 26.
It’s been true for prior major software updates too.But now, Apple has formally explained why.If you’ve been running iOS 26, how has battery life been for you? Let us know in the comments.
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