Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 17, has received mixed reviews since its release. While the update brings useful new features, many users have complained about excessive battery drain after upgrading. Does iOS 17 drain battery though, or is it just some users who are facing this issue? well, this is what we are here for! In, this article, we’ll examine the battery life issues with iOS 17 and try to understand what’s causing them.
Across Apple support forums and social media, a common complain has being going around – iOS 17 appears to be draining battery life faster than iOS 16. Some users report over 50% battery drain in under 4 hours of normal use. The drain seems particularly severe on older models like the iPhone XR and 11. Even newer phones like the iPhone 15 series aren’t immune. The new iPhone 15 series is supposedly heating while charging as well. There are so many reports of it happening.
Does iOS 17 drain battery?
Looking at the reports, yes iOS 17 does drain battery more than usual. While some battery drop is expected after a major OS update, the extent being reported is excessive. The most affected users claim their iPhones barely last half a day on a full charge after updating to iOS 17. This is a drastic reduction compared to the previous iOS version.
Why iOS 17 drain battery?
There are a few reasons that could explain the battery drain issues with iOS 17:
IOS 17 is a new update and still needs a little more time with the processing and optimization of the update. The system of the iPhone needs to be adjusted with the iOS 17 update and getting used to the new features. This would cause battery drain even more, but once the system is adjusted and gotten used to the new update then the battery drain issue wont be a problem anymore.
iOS 17 introduces changes like customizable home screens and a new Siri architecture. This requires heavy indexing of apps, files, and data in the first few days after updating. Indexing is processorintensive and can reduce battery life temporarily.
Developers are still updating their apps for iOS 17 compatibility. Some bugs may introduce battery drain. For example, an app may fail to sleep properly in the background.
Widgets, always-on display, and lift to wake require keeping the screen refreshed. Siri suggestions and automations also use background activity. These can take a toll on battery if not optimized well.
With their aging batteries and slower processors, older iPhones like the XR and 11 are more likely to experience drain with the additional strain of new iOS features.
How to fix iOS 17 battery drain issue?
Check app usage – Determine if any particular app is using too much battery in the background. Restrict its background activity or uninstall problematic apps. You can even offload the app if you don’t want to lose all your data.
Turn off widgets – If you’ve added iOS 17 widgets to your home screen, try disabling them to see if it helps. Widgets constantly refresh in the background.
Limit screen wake time – Reduce lift to wake, always-on display, and auto-brightness to maximize standby time. Also enable low power mode as well to preserve battery life.
Disable unnecessary Siri suggestions – Only keep Siri suggestions and proactive automations that you actually need. You can also disable hey Siri option that get activated by your voice.
Update apps and iOS – Install any pending app updates and the latest iOS 17.x version. These contain battery life fixes. Always make sure to keep your apps updated as it may contain fixes.
Factory reset if needed – Backup your iPhone and factory reset it to start fresh. This will eliminate any software issues.
Replace battery if old – If your iPhone’s battery health has degraded below 80%, get the battery replaced by Apple. This will restore full-day battery life.
That’s it folks! These are the fixes that you can try, or wait for the next iOS 17 update which bring the solution to the battery drain issue.
Until next time, with another topic. Till then, Toodles.