iPhone 17 Battery Issues: Is iOS 26 Slowing Your Device? Here’s Why
Apple iOS 26 update triggers battery and performance issues on iPhone 11 and later. Here’s what causes it and how long it lasts.
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Just days after Apple Inc. launched the iPhone 17 series and the iOS 26 software update, users have reported faster battery depletion on their devices.
iOS 26, officially released on September 9, is now available for iPhone models 11 and later. Users have taken to social media platforms, including Reddit, to voice concerns about increased battery usage, app lags, and minor interface glitches.
Apple responded to the complaints, stating that battery drain following a major update is expected and temporary. The company explained that the update triggers background processes such as indexing files for search, downloading assets, and updating apps, all of which can temporarily increase power consumption. Apple also noted that usage patterns vary, so some users might experience more noticeable effects.
Reddit posts reveal several user-reported problems. One user noted that widget text became “extremely invisible” and cited lags across transitions along with higher storage usage. Another mentioned that customizing app colors caused certain apps like Google Maps and Google Calendar to malfunction, a problem persisting from iOS 18.
Other feedback highlighted inconsistencies in audio playback on WhatsApp, keyboard misalignment, and Safari interface challenges, including difficulty accessing tabs. Some users suggested rolling back to iOS 18 until third-party apps update to support iOS 26.
Apple clarified that temporary performance dips are a normal part of completing a major software update. “Immediately after a significant update, your device may temporarily consume more battery and experience higher thermal performance,” the company said. It added that new features may demand additional resources, which could impact performance depending on how the device is used.
The iPhone 17 lineup includes the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB and RAM between 8GB and 12GB. Prices start at Rs 82,900 for the iPhone 17 and go up to Rs 1,49,900 for the Pro Max variant.
