hen it comes to smartphones, battery life is one of the things people care about most. Whether you’re planning to buy the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, the long-lasting iPhone 17 Pro Max, or just continue with your current iPhone, Apple is adding something new in iOS 26 that could make a big difference — a feature called Adaptive Power.
What Exactly is Adaptive Power?
Adaptive Power is a new option in iOS 26 designed to give your iPhone’s battery life an extra boost when you need it most. You’ll find it in Settings > Battery > Power Mode.
Unlike Low Power Mode, which shuts down several functions and makes the phone feel slower, Adaptive Power works quietly in the background. On days when you’re using your iPhone more heavily than usual, it makes small adjustments — like dimming the display slightly or letting certain tasks take a bit longer — to stretch out your charge. On normal days, you might not even notice it running.
How It Differs from Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode is still around, and it automatically kicks in at 20%. But many users don’t like keeping it on all the time because it limits too many features. Adaptive Power, on the other hand, is meant to be subtle. It won’t slow down your iPhone in an obvious way, yet it can still add valuable hours of use on high-demand days.
Which iPhones Will Get It?
Apple hasn’t officially labeled Adaptive Power as part of its AI tools, but users testing the iOS 26 beta have noticed that it only shows up on Apple Intelligence-supported devices. In short, you’ll need an iPhone 16 or newer, or at least an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, to use it.
Why It Matters
For many iPhone owners, battery life is the number one reason to upgrade. With Adaptive Power, Apple is offering a smarter, less intrusive way to manage energy consumption. Instead of constantly switching on Low Power Mode, your iPhone can now adapt automatically, helping you get through those long, busy days without scrambling for a charger.
