In Short
- iOS 18 comes with exciting features such as call recording and app hiding, but some users experience battery drain issues.
- Battery problems can stem from post-update background tasks, outdated apps, or older batteries.
- Simple fixes include restarting your iPhone, updating apps, and checking for battery-hungry apps.
The iOS 18 update has brought a host of new features, including call recording, better app management, and improved privacy controls. However, like any major software update, it hasn’t been without its hiccups. Many users have reported faster-than-usual battery drain, which can be frustrating, especially when you rely on your iPhone all day. If you’re among those facing iOS 18 battery issues, don’t worry—there are plenty of solutions to help you get your iPhone back to performing at its best. Here’s a complete guide to fixing iOS 18 battery drain issues.
1. Wait for Background Processing to Finish
After installing iOS 18, your iPhone might feel unusually warm or drain the battery faster. This is often because the system is running background tasks such as reindexing files, updating apps, or syncing data. These processes consume more power temporarily but will settle within a day or two.
Solution
- Plug in your iPhone and connect to Wi-Fi overnight. This ensures the background tasks are completed faster.
- Be patient your battery life should stabilize within a couple of days.
2. Restart Your iPhone
A quick restart can work wonders for resolving minor glitches causing excessive battery drains. Restarting clears temporary files and gives your device a fresh start.
Steps to Restart
- Press and hold the Power button and any Volume button for iPhones with Face ID until the “slide to power off” message appears.
- Drag the slider and wait 30 seconds.
- Turn the device back on by holding the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
3. Check Your iPhone’s Battery Health
It’s worth checking your battery’s health if you have an older iPhone. Lithium-ion batteries wear out over time, reducing their ability to hold a charge.
How to Check
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- Look at Maximum Capacity.
- If it’s above 80%, your battery is fine.
- If it’s below 80%, your battery is likely degraded and may need replacement.
Consider booking an appointment at the Apple Store if your battery needs replacing.
4. Optimize Settings with Battery-Saving Tips
Fine-tuning your iPhone’s settings can make a huge difference in battery life. A few small changes can help stretch your battery life across the day.
Tips to Save Battery
- Lower brightness or turn on Auto-Brightness from Settings > Display & Brightness.
- Enable Low Power Mode when the battery is low from Settings > Battery or Control Center.
- Use dark mode if your iPhone has an OLED display for better power efficiency.
- Disable Background App Refresh under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Turn off unnecessary features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS when not in use.
5. Identify and Manage Battery-Draining Apps
Sometimes, third-party apps may not be optimized for iOS 18, causing excessive battery usage. Checking which apps consume the most battery can help you pinpoint the culprits.
Steps to Identify Problem Apps
- Open Settings > Battery.
- Look at the list of apps under Battery Usage by App.
- Update any high-consuming apps from the App Store.
- If updating doesn’t help, consider uninstalling the problematic app.
6. Keep Your Apps Updated
Outdated apps may not be fully compatible with iOS 18, which can cause crashes, overheating, or excessive battery drain. Keeping your apps updated ensures they run smoothly on the latest OS version.
How to Update Apps
- Go to the App Store and tap your profile icon at the top-right.
- Scroll down to see available updates and tap Update All.
- Alternatively, enable Automatic Updates in Settings > App Store.
7. Update to the Latest iOS Version
Apple frequently rolls out incremental updates to address bugs and performance hitches in its software. If none of the above fixes work, it’s worth checking for a new iOS release.
How to Check for Updates
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
What to Do if the Problem Persists
If you’ve tried everything and your iPhone’s battery is still struggling, consider taking it to an Apple Store or contacting Apple Support for a thorough diagnosis. Persistent issues could indicate hardware damage or a problem with the battery itself, in which case a replacement is often the best option.
By following these tips, you should be able to resolve iOS 18 battery drain issues and enjoy your iPhone to its fullest. Try these steps today and get back to enjoying all the new features iOS 18 has to offer!
