With iOS 26, Apple is placing greater emphasis on intelligent battery management. With the new Adaptive Power Mode, the company aims to ensure iPhones last longer, even on long days of intensive use. The iPhone 17 series, in particular, demonstrates where this is headed: There, the feature is enabled by default. While it's available for older models, it must be enabled manually.
iOS 26 introduces a feature that automatically adjusts the iPhone's power consumption. Adaptive Power analyzes daily usage and reacts when the battery is under greater strain than usual. The operating system then slightly reduces brightness, restricts background activities, and automatically activates power-saving mode when the battery reaches 20 percent remaining.
Adaptive Power in iOS 26
Adaptive Power Mode is designed to intelligently manage battery consumption without restricting usage. When necessary, background processes are reduced and the screen brightness is reduced by three percent. Power-intensive applications such as the camera or games in Game Mode remain unaffected by the adjustments.
Enabled by default on the iPhone 17 series
The iPhone 17 models—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air—have Adaptive Power enabled out of the box. This distinguishes the series from the iPhone 16 models, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The feature is also available on these devices, but is disabled by default.
Activation and deactivation
On devices like the iPhone 15 Pro or the iPhone 16 series, Adaptive Power can be enabled in the settings via Settings → Battery → Power Mode → Adaptive Power. Users of the iPhone 17 models can find the same path if they want to disable the feature.
Apple Intelligence as a basis
Adaptive Power leverages Apple Intelligence built into iOS 26. The system evaluates recent usage patterns and predicts when additional battery power is needed. This dynamically extends battery life without constant manual intervention.
Battery life of the iPhone 17 series
All devices in the iPhone 17 series have longer battery life than their predecessors. However, there are differences between the models themselves. The iPhone Air is particularly notable: It offers the shortest battery life, with 27 hours of video playback. However, with Apple's optional MagSafe Battery Pack, which costs €115, this can be extended to up to 40 hours.
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iOS 26 focuses on intelligent battery usage
With iOS 26, Apple is bringing a new approach to battery management to the iPhone. Adaptive Power runs in the background, intelligently adjusting performance and ensuring longer use without restrictions. The iPhone 17 series benefits from this feature by default, while older models can be manually enabled. iOS 26 thus clearly demonstrates that longer battery life no longer depends solely on hardware, but primarily on intelligent software control. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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Questions and answers: iOS 26 with Adaptive Power in detail
Adaptive Power is a new power mode in iOS 26. It automatically adjusts power consumption and extends battery life without sacrificing performance.
Adaptive Power is available on the iPhone 17 series, the iPhone 16 models, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It is active by default only on the iPhone 17 series.
The function can be turned on or off in the settings under Battery → Power Mode → Adaptive Power.
Yes, but Adaptive Power is only enabled by default on the iPhone 17 series. On older models like the iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 Pro, it must be enabled manually.
No, performance-intensive functions like the camera or games in Game Mode remain unaffected. Adaptive Power only throttles background processes.
As soon as the battery drops to 20 percent, iOS 26 automatically activates the classic power saving mode in addition to Adaptive Power.
The iPhone Air achieves up to 27 hours of video playback, according to Apple. With Apple's optional MagSafe Battery Pack for €115, this can be extended to 40 hours.
Adaptive Power is powered by Apple Intelligence. The system analyzes usage patterns and predicts when additional battery power is needed.
Yes, if Apple Intelligence is supported. Adaptive Power is available for the iPhone 15 Pro models and the iPhone 16 series.
Yes, battery life varies. While the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max offer longer battery life, the iPhone Air has the shortest at 27 hours of video playback.
