Improved battery utilization: iOS 26 gives users hints
In addition to a new adaptive mode for battery saving, Apple is adding another new battery function in iOS 26. Users now receive explicit notifications.
iPhone with battery widget: What's the best way to save battery power?
(Image: lilgrapher/Shutterstock)
Apple has once again made changes to iPhone battery management with the latest beta version of iOS 26 (Developer Beta 7, Public Beta 4), which was released on Tuesday night. The new adaptive mode, which is AI-supported from iPhone 15 Pro (Max) and newer and is intended to ensure that the device's performance is automatically adjusted to make the best possible use of the battery, now comes with a new information dialog.
New switch in the battery settings
Previously, there was only a simple switch in the earlier pre-release versions: On or off. When this was pressed, the iPhone then adopted a more robust battery management system. This includes not only simple changes, such as a slightly reduced screen brightness, but also the intervention in "some activities" of the device, which then lasted "a little bit longer". The company has not yet published a support document with more detailed information on which processes Apple is changing and possibly slowing down here. iOS 26 will not be released in its final form until September, however.
With the new iOS 26 beta, there is now a second switch. This makes it possible to receive so-called Adaptive Power Notifications. This means that the iPhone informs the user when battery-saving measures are being carried out. It initially remained unclear whether the notification did not already appear in earlier betas, meaning that the new switch is only an explicit activation and deactivation option for the notification. In any case, it makes sense to leave it active in order to maintain control.
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Don't be surprised if the iPhone slows down
If there is a system performance adjustment that starts Apple's adaptive battery AI, the notification will say that the iPhone has "adjusted its performance to extend your battery life". This allows you to determine what the device is currently doing – and deactivate the function if necessary if it is taking away too much system performance.
One of the main reasons why Apple is introducing the function in the first place appears to be the particularly thin iPhone 17 Air, which is expected in September. The device is said to have a comparatively small battery for Apple smartphones because there is no more space in the casing. To compensate for this, iOS 26 will be particularly economical so that users can still get through the day with the new flat iPhone. However, other iPhones may also benefit from the function as long as it does not slow down performance too much.
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