iOS 26 update draws user ire over battery life and new interface features
Apple says temporary battery and thermal impacts are normal after a major release as users report faster drain, a red clock lock-screen and translucent ‘Liquid Glass’ design
Apple’s iOS 26 update, released last week after being previewed at the company’s June developer conference, has prompted widespread user complaints about battery drain and reaction to several new visual features.
After installing iOS 26, many iPhone users reported that their devices’ battery percentages fell rapidly and that battery health indicators dropped unexpectedly. Posts on social platforms including X, TikTok and Reddit described phones losing significant charge within hours of a full charge and one user reporting a sudden fall in an on-screen battery health figure.
Apple told users in a support document that a temporary impact on battery life and thermal performance is common after installing a major software update. The company said devices may use additional resources while completing background setup tasks such as indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets and updating apps. Apple also noted that some new features may require extra device resources and that, "depending on individual usage, some users may notice a small impact on performance and/or battery life."
Beyond battery concerns, users criticized several of iOS 26’s interface changes. One widely viewed complaint described an automatic lock-screen feature that turns the phone on its side into a red, full-screen clock in low-light conditions; some users called the color and appearance startling when the phone is used at night. Others objected to a new “Liquid Glass” design element that makes icons, menus and pop-ups translucent, saying the effect blurred background colors and produced visual discomfort for some viewers. A Reddit post said the background effects made the user feel dizzy.
The iOS 26 release includes a range of changes, including a redesigned Home Screen and new Apple Intelligence features Apple showed at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. As with prior major upgrades, the company’s guidance emphasizes that short-term battery and performance shifts are part of the transition as the operating system finalizes background tasks and users update third-party apps to take full advantage of new APIs.
Independent developers and analysts have in past releases recommended several troubleshooting steps when users experience unusual battery behavior after an update, including restarting the device, checking for app updates, reviewing background app refresh settings and monitoring battery usage by app to identify any outliers. Apple’s support materials encourage similar measures and advise users to contact AppleCare if problems persist beyond the immediate post-update period.
The iOS 26 rollout comes as Apple prepares to ship its next hardware iteration. The company showcased the new iPhone 17 at a September event, and the handset’s release is scheduled for later this week. Historically, close sequencing of major software and hardware updates can amplify user attention on performance and design changes.
Apple did not provide a new timeline for any additional patches or changes to iOS 26 beyond its general guidance on post-update behavior. Users who continue to experience battery loss or other issues after allowing time for background processes and installing app updates are advised to contact Apple support or visit an Apple Store for diagnostics.