The release of iOS 18 has sparked discussions about its impact on iPhone battery life. As with every major update, users are sharing mixed experiences across social media platforms. Some report decreased battery performance, while others claim improvements compared to iOS 17.6.
Having tested iOS 18 betas and now using the public release for about a week, I’ve noticed a positive change in battery life on my iPhone 14 Pro. Initially, there were some overheating issues, particularly when playing music, but these have since subsided.
While I haven’t seen a dramatic improvement over iOS 17, the battery life certainly isn’t worse. My typical usage pattern, including social media browsing, video streaming, reading, and communication apps, allows me to get through most of the day on an 80-85% charge. Standby time remains unaffected, and video playback consumes minimal battery – a 20-minute viewing session only drops the battery by 1%.
For those with newer iPhones, updating to iOS 18 shouldn’t cause battery concerns. However, users of older compatible devices like the iPhone XS or 11 might experience some increased battery drain due to the demands of new features on older hardware.
iPhone 15 and later models benefit from a new optimization algorithm in iOS 18. This feature allows users to customize their charging limit, choosing from 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%. The system even suggests an optimal percentage based on individual usage patterns. Unfortunately, this feature isn’t available for the iPhone 14 series and earlier models.
If you’ve recently updated to iOS 18 or plan to do so, expect some initial battery drain. This is normal after a major OS update due to background processes. You might notice “Device Setup & Updates” consuming battery in your Settings > Battery menu. This should decrease after a few days as your device settles into the new OS.
Once your iPhone adjusts to iOS 18, you shouldn’t experience any significant negative impact on battery life. The update is generally safe for your device’s power management, especially on newer models.