iPhone users claim Apple’s iOS 26 update has RUINED their battery life – as one vents it’s ‘turning my phone into a brick’
After months of anticipation, Apple has finally released one of its most exciting iPhone updates – iOS 26.
The design overhaul, announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June, brings translucent, glass–like effects to app icons, the lock screen, and home screen.
While fans have rushed to install the update, it seems many are already regretting their decision.
Several users have reported their iPhone battery plunging in the hours after downloading iOS 26.
‘Just fully charged my phone 58 minutes ago and it’s already down to 79%. iOS 26 is turning my phone into a brick,’ one user vented on X.
Another added: ‘Dude wtf. My phone’s been burning up since the update to iOS 26 and voila my battery health just fell down to 80%. I haven’t even changed any charging habits.’
Following the backlash, Apple has issued an official warning – and even admitted that your iPhone may overheat and lose battery faster after the update.
Here’s what to do if you’ve installed iOS 26 and have noticed your iPhone battery plummeting.
After months of anticipation, Apple has finally released one of its most exciting iPhone updates – iOS 26
Several users have reported their iPhone battery plunging in the hours after downloading iOS 26
One user tweeted: ‘This new ios 26 update is a battery SUCKERRRR. ‘Phone already in the 20’s territory while it used to around 50 at this time of hour’
iOS 26 includes a range of new features – including a divisive new look called Liquid Glass.
‘Liquid Glass [is] a new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, bringing greater focus to content, and delivering a new level of vitality across controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more,’ Apple explained in a post on its newsroom.
‘The new design extends to the Home Screen and Lock Screen, making them more personal and expressive than ever.
‘Liquid Glass also brings new customisation options to app icons and widgets, including a stunning clear look.’
The software update also introduces new features in the Phone and Messages apps, as well as CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and Apple Games.
While iOS 26 was announced back in June, it only became widely available last night.
And those who have already downloaded it have reported problems with battery drain.
Taking to X, one said: ‘iOS26 is a battery hog! I typically don’t run out of juice and only need to recharge at night.’
Taking to X, one said: ‘iOS26 is a battery hog! I typically don’t run out of juice and only need to recharge at night’
One early downloaded claimed Apple’s latest software update had turned their phone into a brick
Another added: ‘iOS26 evidently has a battery issue. I used my work phone less than I usually do in the mornings and I’m already down to 50%.’
One vented: ‘Holy shh, iOS 26 eats up battery life so fast!
‘Didn’t do anything different today and it’s already down to 40% when usually at this time of the day I should have 60–70% left.’
And another tweeted: ‘This new ios 26 update is a battery SUCKERRRR.
‘Phone already in the 20’s territory while it used to around 50 at this time of hour.’
Thankfully, Apple has confirmed that the battery issues are only temporary.
‘Immediately after completing an update, particularly a major release, you might notice a temporary impact on battery life and thermal performance,’ it explained in new guidance.
‘This is normal, as your device needs time to complete the setup process in the background, including indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.
‘New features are exciting and help you get even more out of your Apple product, though some may require additional resources from the device.
‘Depending on individual usage, some users may notice a small impact on performance and/or battery life.
‘Apple continually works to optimize these features in software updates to ensure great battery life and a smooth user experience.’
So, if you’ve noticed your battery draining faster than usual, hang in there – it should return to normal within a few days!
THE TRILLION DOLLAR RISE OF APPLE
1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1 1976 as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.
The first product was the Apple I.
1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market.
Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation’s new Macintosh February 6, 1984 in California.
1981: Jobs became chairman.
1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.
1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.
1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000.
The then Chief Executive Officer of Apple, Steve Jobs, with the iPhone
2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.
The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.
2007: Apple unveils the iPhone.
2010: The first iPad was unveiled.
2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.
2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones – the 6 and 6 Plus.
2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services.
2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device.
2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner’s face.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks at an Apple event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.
2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers.
2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.
2020: In March, Apple closes all its bricks and mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus.
2021: In an online virtual event in April CEO Tim Cook declared Apple’s goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year the iPhone 13 was announced.
2022: In September the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash as well as an improved camera system.
2023: Apple brought back its ‘Home Pod’ after the first generation was discontinued. The ‘Home Pod’ can be seen as an alternative to Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home as it is powered by voice commands.
2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once with many delayed until the following year.