After months of anticipation, Apple has finally released one of its most exciting iPhone updates – iOS 26. 

During the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple unveiled a design revamp featuring translucent, glass-like effects on app icons, the lock screen, and home screen.

While fans have rushed to install the update, it seems many are already regretting their decision. 

Several users have reported their iPhone battery plunging in the hours after downloading iOS 26. 

‘Just fully charged my phone 58 minutes ago and it’s already down to 79%. iOS 26 is turning my phone into a brick,’ one user vented on X. 

A user expressed concern, saying, “Wow, what’s going on? Since updating to iOS 26, my phone has been overheating, and my battery health plummeted to 80% without me changing any charging habits.”

In response to the criticism, Apple has released an official warning and acknowledged that your iPhone might experience overheating and faster battery drain after installing the update.

Here’s what to do if you’ve installed iOS 26 and have noticed your iPhone battery plummeting. 

After months of anticipation, Apple has finally released one of its most exciting iPhone updates – iOS 26

Several users have reported their iPhone battery plunging in the hours after downloading iOS 26

One individual tweeted, “This new iOS 26 update drains the battery ridiculously. My phone’s battery level was in the 20% range at this time, whereas it used to be around 50%.”

iOS 26 includes a range of new features – including a divisive new look called Liquid Glass. 

Apple described ‘Liquid Glass’ as a cutting-edge translucent material that reflects and refracts its environment, enhancing the focus on content and invigorating controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more, in a post on their newsroom.

‘The new design extends to the Home Screen and Lock Screen, making them more personal and expressive than ever. 

‘Liquid Glass also brings new customisation options to app icons and widgets, including a stunning clear look.’

The software update also introduces new features in the Phone and Messages apps, as well as CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and Apple Games. 

While iOS 26 was announced back in June, it only became widely available last night. 

And those who have already downloaded it have reported problems with battery drain. 

Taking to X, one said: ‘iOS26 is a battery hog! I typically don’t run out of juice and only need to recharge at night.’

Taking to X, one said: ‘iOS26 is a battery hog! I typically don’t run out of juice and only need to recharge at night’

One early downloaded claimed Apple’s latest software update had turned their phone into a brick

Another added: ‘iOS26 evidently has a battery issue. I used my work phone less than I usually do in the mornings and I’m already down to 50%.’

One vented: ‘Holy shh, iOS 26 eats up battery life so fast! 

‘Didn’t do anything different today and it’s already down to 40% when usually at this time of the day I should have 60–70% left.’

And another tweeted: ‘This new ios 26 update is a battery SUCKERRRR.

‘Phone already in the 20’s territory while it used to around 50 at this time of hour.’

Thankfully, Apple has confirmed that the battery issues are only temporary. 

In their new guidance, Apple stated, “Right after completing an update, especially a major release, you may temporarily notice effects on battery life and thermal performance.”

‘This is normal, as your device needs time to complete the setup process in the background, including indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.

‘New features are exciting and help you get even more out of your Apple product, though some may require additional resources from the device. 

‘Depending on individual usage, some users may notice a small impact on performance and/or battery life. 

‘Apple continually works to optimize these features in software updates to ensure great battery life and a smooth user experience.’

So, if you’ve noticed your battery draining faster than usual, hang in there – it should return to normal within a few days! 

THE TRILLION DOLLAR RISE OF APPLE

1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1 1976 as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.

The first product was the Apple I. 

1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market. 

Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation’s new Macintosh February 6, 1984 in California.

1981: Jobs became chairman.  

1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.

1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.

1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000.  

The then Chief Executive Officer of Apple, Steve Jobs, with the iPhone

2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.

The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.

2007: Apple unveils the iPhone. 

2010: The first iPad was unveiled.

2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.

2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones – the 6 and 6 Plus. 

2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services. 

2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device.  

2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner’s face.    

Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks at an Apple event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.

2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers. 

2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.

2020: In March, Apple closes all its bricks and mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus. 

2021: In an online virtual event in April CEO Tim Cook declared Apple’s goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year the iPhone 13 was announced. 

2022: In September the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash as well as an improved camera system. 

2023: Apple brought back its ‘Home Pod’ after the first generation was discontinued. The ‘Home Pod’ can be seen as an alternative to Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home as it is powered by voice commands. 

2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once with many delayed until the following year.