Is iOS 26.1 Draining Your iPhone's Battery? Apple Says It's Normal, But Here's the Catch
Apple released iOS 26.1 on Monday, bringing new settings to your iPhone, including an alternative way to adjust the Liquid Glass. If you've noticed your battery draining faster after downloading the update, Apple has a message for you: It's normal, and it's temporary. But there's a twist. While it's true that your device needs time to complete the setup process in the background, including indexing data, downloading new assets, and updating apps, this doesn't necessarily mean your battery drain is a cause for concern.
In September, Apple addressed the issue of battery drain after updates, stating that it's not something to worry about. However, they also emphasized that your personal iPhone usage could contribute to the drain. Some features might require more resources to function, so the impact on performance and battery life can vary depending on how heavily you use your iPhone.
So, while your device might experience some additional battery drain initially, it should resolve itself after a while. If you find yourself using your iPhone more after downloading iOS 26.1, that could be a contributing factor to the drain. But remember, it's a temporary issue, and Apple's support page reassures users that the impact on battery life and thermal performance is expected after major updates.
For more insights into iOS 26.1, check out our comprehensive coverage, including my review of iOS 26. And don't forget to explore our iOS 26 cheat sheet for additional tips and tricks. Stay tuned for more tech updates and reviews!
