Tag: Adaptive Power

  • iPhones Boost Battery Life with iOS 26, Performance Takes Hit

    iPhones Boost Battery Life with iOS 26, Performance Takes Hit

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple has launched iOS 26 with a new “Liquid Glass” design and improved battery life features.
    2. The new “Adaptive Power” feature uses AI to manage resources but may reduce system performance to conserve battery.
    3. The iPhone 17 series is expected to maintain similar battery sizes as the iPhone 16, with the iPhone 17 Air having a notably smaller 2,800mAh battery.
    4. Compared to competitors like the Galaxy S25 Edge, which has a larger 3,900mAh battery, Apple’s battery sizes may still lag behind.
    5. The effectiveness of the AI-driven battery management will need real-world testing to determine its impact on device performance and battery life.


    Apple has just launched iOS 26, showcasing a new “Liquid Glass” design along with several new features. One notable feature is aimed at improving battery life by managing resources intelligently. However, this may have a downside: users might experience a decrease in performance as the system attempts to conserve power. Previously, there were rumors about Apple developing an AI-driven battery management tool, which seems to be the “Adaptive Power” feature now included.

    Meaningful Upgrade?

    Unlike some of the past controversial user interface changes, this could be a significant improvement for the iPhone 17 series—assuming it’s implemented correctly. The iPhone 16 comes equipped with a 3,561mAh battery, and the upcoming iPhone 17 is not widely thought to have a notably larger battery. In fact, the 5.5mm-thin iPhone 17 Air is said to have a battery as small as 2,800mAh.

    Battery Comparisons

    For comparison, the 5.8mm Galaxy S25 Edge, which features the latest, highly efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, boasts a bigger 3,900mAh battery. This “razor-thin” Android device, unlike other models in the S25 series, offers pretty average battery life at best. You can find more about the battery performance of the S25 Edge in their specs.

    Although Apple benefits from a tight integration of software and hardware, resulting in better power efficiency, the battery size in the Air model will probably still be behind the standard variant. This is where the new AI-driven Adaptive Power feature could be crucial for the iPhone 17 Air.

    Competing with Chinese Brands

    This feature might also assist other iPhone 17 models in keeping up their battery life advantage, especially since many Chinese smartphone companies are already offering batteries exceeding 6,000mAh, thanks to advancements in silicon-carbon battery technology—something Apple has yet to incorporate.

    However, the actual performance of this AI-based resource management will need to be assessed in everyday situations, and we are eager to see how it performs.

  • iOS 26 Boosts iPhone Battery Life but Reduces Performance

    iOS 26 Boosts iPhone Battery Life but Reduces Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. iOS 26 will be available in the fall for iPhone models from 11 to 16, featuring design changes and new AI capabilities.
    2. The new “Adaptive Power” feature slows down the processor and dims the screen to extend battery life, in addition to the existing Low Power Mode.
    3. A warning in settings indicates that certain tasks may take longer when Adaptive Power is active.
    4. iOS 26 will automatically switch to Low Power Mode when the battery level drops to 20%.
    5. The update may support future iPhone models like the rumored iPhone 17 Air, which could benefit from energy-saving features.


    Apple revealed iOS 26 on Monday, marking the next significant upgrade for the iPhone. This new operating system will be available in the fall for all models ranging from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 16. The update brings a variety of design changes, innovative AI features, an overhauled camera app, and the introduction of a new gaming app. One noteworthy addition is the “Adaptive Power” feature, which users can turn on alongside the existing “Low Power Mode” found in the system settings.

    Understanding Adaptive Power

    While Low Power Mode mainly limits background tasks, like fetching new emails, Adaptive Power takes a different approach. It slows down the iPhone’s processor and dims the screen brightness. By focusing on these two energy-hungry elements, this feature aims to prolong battery life. It’s important to note that a message in the system settings warns users that certain tasks might take longer when Adaptive Power is in use. Additionally, when the battery level falls to 20%, iOS 26 will automatically switch to Low Power Mode.

    Future Prospects

    This feature seems particularly designed for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, which is rumored to have a 6.6-inch display while housing a small 3,000 mAh battery. Therefore, users might rely heavily on features like Adaptive Power to make it through the day without needing to recharge. Speculations have also emerged that iOS 26 might utilize AI to monitor user habits and intelligently lower power usage. However, there’s no evidence of this feature in the initial beta version of iOS 26, at least not yet.

    Apple | The Verge | MacRumors

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