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How to Use iOS 26 Adaptive Power Mode to Extend iPhone Battery Life

Prolong your iPhone's battery life with this simple feature

Anshuman Jain profile picture
by Anshuman Jain
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illustration of an iPhone showing the Adaptive Power Mode toggle in iOS 26

Image Credit: Beebom Gadgets

Summary

  • iOS 26 offers an Adaptive Power Mode feature, which can extend your iPhone's battery life when it's draining excessively.
  • The feature lowers brightness, turns on Low Power Mode, and forces apps to take longer for processing tasks, all to save battery.
  • To enable Adaptive Power Mode, go to Settings > Battery > Power Mode and turn on the Adaptive Power toggle.

The iOS 26 update introduces a very crucial feature for your iPhone that can help squeeze out some extra battery life when your device is low on power and asking to be plugged in. The feature is called Adaptive Power Mode, and if you want to learn how to use it to extend your iPhone's battery, then take a look at the steps below. 

What is Adaptive Power Mode and why use it? 

When you turn on Adaptive Power Mode, iOS will make performance adjustments when it detects that your battery is draining faster than usual. These adjustments include lowering screen brightness, activating Low Power Mode, and allowing some apps to take longer to process tasks to extend battery life. 

Since it kicks in automatically, you don't have to turn on Adaptive Power Mode manually. However, you can enable notifications for this feature, so your iPhone alerts you when the feature is working. Whether you have a new iPhone or are using an old one, I would highly recommend using this feature for the following reasons: 

  • Adaptive Power Mode will help your iPhone last longer, especially at times when you are away from the charger.
  • It will also automatically turn on Low Power Mode when your iPhone reaches 20% battery.
  • Besides the battery, Adaptive Power Mode will also ensure that your iPhone does not heat up by managing performance.

How to turn on Adaptive Power Mode on your iPhone

If you are looking for where to find the Adaptive Power Mode on your iPhone, then here's a quick guide to help you out. 

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and head over to Battery > Power Mode.
Steps to go to the Power Mode Page in iOS 26
Steps to go to the Power Mode Page in iOS 26
  1. Here, turn on the Adaptive Power toggle.
  2. Additionally, you can also turn on the Adaptive Power Notifications toggle if you want to get alerts when the feature is active.
Turning on the toggle for Adaptive Power and Adaptive Power Notifications
Turning on the toggle for Adaptive Power and Adaptive Power Notifications

Which iPhones support Adaptive Power Mode?

Adaptive Power Mode is one of the iOS 26 features that Apple is only bringing to select iPhone models. Here is a list of supported iPhones: 

  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 16
  • iPhone 16 Plus
  • iPhone 16 Pro
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • iPhone 16e

As you can tell by this list, only the most recent iPhone models will get the new battery feature. This can be a bummer for older iPhone users, but those who have the supported devices should definitely turn it on to enjoy improved battery life with iOS 26. . 

Anshuman Jain profile picture
Anshuman Jain

Product Reviewer

Expertise :

Anshuman Jain is a seasoned tech journalist, diving into the ever-evolving landscape and covering everything from the latest smartphones to new apps and games. He has a good ear for audio, and in his free time, you'll find him trying out new earbuds, IEMs, or headphones. His articles and reviews blend his expertise with a friendly tone, so you can consider him your friendly neighbourhood tech support.

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