Save battery: These new functions come with iOS 26

With iOS 26, Apple delivers a number of new features to extend the service life on the iPhone. The manufacturer also uses various AI functions-but not only these. However, users confused that depending on the model series, the functions are active by default – and it initially takes a while before they actually “jump”. In addition, after the update, there can initially be restrictions on the battery life, of which Apple explicitly warns.

Sometimes automatically active

Apple’s new electricity exposure function is called “Adaptive Power” or “Adaptive performance”. According to one official support document the feature on iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and Air is activated by default (“on by default”). So if you don’t want it, you have to turn it off. On the other hand, it can be switched off and manually activated with iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 family with the models 16, 16 plus, 16 per max and 16e. Earlier device models do not master adaptive performance, but can continue to use well -known modes like the optimized shop.

Apple describes the adaptive performance as follows: “(ES) uses the integrated intelligence of the device to use its current usage pattern to predict when you need additional battery life – and then adapts as required so that your battery lasts longer that day.” However, interventions in the system do not occur when using applications that “need maximum performance”, including the camera use and in the “Game Mode” game mode. The iPhone communicates when adaptive performance is active – at least if you have sharpened the corresponding notifications in the battery settings.

What the new power saving mode does

According to Apple, the battery saving mode can do four things: “Performance adjustments” (details for this have so far been spongy), reduce the screen brightness by (only) three percent, restrict the number of background processes and automatically in the Power -saving mode (Low power mode) switch when the battery level only reaches 20 percent. How much this ultimately makes up will only be shown in the coming weeks.

Because: It takes about seven days (“at least”, writes Apple) until the iPhone has adapted to the usage habits. In addition: If the device has just been equipped with iOS 26, there is one Weakness in terms of battery performance. “Immediately after completing an update, in particular a main version, you may find a temporary impairment of the battery life or a certain heat development,” said Apple. This is normal “since your device takes time to complete the furnishing process in the background, including the indexing of data and files for searching, loading new assets and updating apps”.