With the iOS 26 update, Apple has introduced Adaptive Power, a new feature designed to help your battery last longer. But what is Adaptive Power? Should you turn it on?

Let’s answer some of your questions about the newest battery feature for iPhone.

What Is Adaptive Power

Adaptive Power is a new feature on your iPhone that utilizes machine learning to optimize your battery management. In theory, this feature will use AI to analyze how you use your iPhone, identifying ways to optimize your iPhone’s battery usage throughout the day with minimal impact on your daily activities.

Therefore, it should help your iPhone battery last longer throughout the day.

This can change how your phone uses processors that aren’t in use, turning them off or using them more efficiently. It can slightly dim your screen, which can be one of the worst battery drains.

The idea is that your iPhone will make adjustments that you won’t notice to make your battery last longer.

Can All iPhones Use Adaptive Power?

Unfortunately, not all iPhones are compatible with Adaptive Power. Only iPhones with access to Apple Intelligence will have the option.

Those iPhones are:

The device needs to use Apple Intelligence and machine learning to understand your typical day. Once it does, it will make those minor adjustments to improve the battery.

Unfortunately, this feature is not yet available on the iPad, MacBook, or most Apple Watches. Surprisingly, only Apple Watches set up for kids get Adaptive Power mode. It will be interesting to see if the feature eventually comes to more Apple Watches.

How Do I Turn On Adaptive Power

If you have purchased an iPhone 17, iPhone Air, or iPhone 17 Pro/Max, this battery-saving feature will be toggled on by default.

If you have another iPhone model, follow these steps.

1. Open your Settings App
   
   2. Tap Battery
   3. Tap Power Mode
   4. Turn Adaptive Power Mode On or Off.

If you turn it on, you’ll also have the option to receive Notifications about Adaptive Power.

Since I’ve turned these on, I’ve only received a couple of notifications stating that Adaptive Power is making adjustments to improve my battery life. The notifications don’t explain what is happening, only that it is happening. Notifications haven’t bombarded me if you are worried about getting too many. Additionally, you can disable these, as they don’t provide much information.

Is Adaptive Power The Same As Low Power Mode?

Low Power mode is a more aggressive strategy to save your battery. Low Power will reduce your processor and screen brightness. It will stop checking your email as often.

Low Power will do everything possible to make your battery last longer, even if that means making your iPhone a little slower or powerful.

Does Adaptive Power Actually Work?

In my testing, I believe Adaptive Power is effective. Lately, I’ve had days when I reach the end of the day with my battery barely down to 50%.

That said, I will warn you that the first few days after an update, such as iOS 26, your battery will take a hit as your device figures out where everything is, classifies things, and optimizes. You might not notice the extended battery life for the first few days.

I will be curious to see if Adaptive Power not only extends the daily battery life but also the battery’s lifespan over the years. One of the biggest drains on a rechargeable battery is the process of draining and then charging it. If our battery life lasts longer, and we aren’t having to charge as often, will that also make our devices last longer?

It will be interesting to see how these batteries last after a few years.

Use Adaptive Power To Make Your iPhone Last Longer

In my use this summer, I haven’t noticed any adverse effects on the battery while using Adaptive Power. I have noticed that my battery life has improved, although I’m not sure by how much.

I do recommend enabling this feature, especially if you’re experiencing a draining battery or can barely make it through the day.

In summary, Adaptive Power offers a smarter, hands-off approach to saving battery automatically, leveraging AI to optimize performance based on your usage patterns.

Do you have any questions or experience with Adaptive Power? Let me know in the comments, or feel free to tag me in a post on your favorite social media.

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