It’s become a ritual for iPhone users to have an adjustment and/or mourning period shortly after a major update, as we all get used to the changes to our load-bearing devices.
The iOS 26 update hasn’t broken from tradition.
In addition to gripes about interface changes that don’t live up to the hype (mainly the “liquid glass” display), users have reported an increase in battery-life-related issues. Particularly, users reported that their batteries were draining quickly — even when they took energy-saving precautions.
In a statement on their support site, Apple acknowledged the issue and noted that users might experience “a temporary impact on battery life and thermal performance” after completing updates (especially the more major ones). The company notes that this is considered normal and that the “device needs time to complete the setup process in the background, including indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.”
“Depending on individual usage, some users may notice a small impact on performance and/or battery life,” the statement continued. “Apple continually works to optimize these features in software updates to ensure great battery life and a smooth user experience.”
We understand if “wait it out” doesn’t feel like a solution. But, luckily, users on TikTok have claimed that they’ve found a quick setting adjustment that ― at least anecdotally ― helps reduce the drain on your battery. (Plus, if you’re a bit more cybersecurity-minded, this isn’t such a bad privacy decision to make either.)
First, you go to your settings and select “privacy & security” and “location services.”
Once you’re there, scroll to the bottom of your listed apps and select “system services.” On that page, you should be able to locate a subsection labeled “product improvement” that contains four location-based permissions that Apple uses to “improve” their map features.
You can go ahead and turn each off, as other iPhone users have reported seeing a reduction in background battery drain.
Ultimately, you may still see a lag as your phone completes it’s full setup processes — but this might be one step to make you a little less charger-dependent while you wait.