Rapid battery drain after installing iOS 16

since installing iOS 16 on three different iPhones (one is iPhone 10, and two are iPhone 11s) I have seen rapid battery drain on all three. I recently upgraded to the latest version of iOS 16.2, and the problem persists. I have deleted all Lock Screen widgets and implemented all the other recommended fixes, but all three phones are experiencing more rapid battery drain than occurred on iOS 15. The only logical conclusion, is that iOS 16 has fundamental problems that need to be fixed by Apple. Does anybody have any idea of when a fix might occur? Are there more effective solutions to solving this rapid battery drain?

Posted on Dec 18, 2022 5:31 PM

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2 replies

Dec 20, 2022 2:34 PM in response to jrspies

Hello jrspies,


It sounds like you have concerns regarding battery drain for phones on iOS 16. While you are likely to see some drop in battery performance up to 72 hours after updates as the system completes indexing, you should notice that the performance will return to normal as you continue using the device.


If you continue to see this behavior, you can check your battery health as that can negatively affect performance:


iPhone Battery and Performance


"How to maximize battery performance

“Battery life” is the amount of time a device runs before it needs to be recharged. “Battery lifespan” is the amount of time a battery lasts until it needs to be replaced. One factor affecting battery life and lifespan is the mix of things you do with your device. No matter how you use your device, there are ways to help. A battery’s lifespan is related to its “chemical age,” which is more than just the passage of time. It includes different factors, such as the number of charge cycles and how it was cared for. Follow these tips to maximize battery performance and help extend battery lifespan. For example, keep iPhone half-charged when it’s stored for the long term. Also avoid charging or leaving iPhone in hot environments, including direct sun exposure, for extended periods of time."


If you have further questions, contact Apple Support.


Regards.


Dec 20, 2022 4:01 PM in response to jrspies

Tammer, thanks for the reply.


The problem is persisting weeks after the update, so the 72 hr adjustment period is not the problem. This is occurring on three iPhones (two iPhone 11s and one iPhone 10 that got a new battery only a year ago). Even though I do not use the iPhone 10 with newer battery much, it is now showing only 90% life when I check battery health.


Maybe this is Apple's way of encouraging people to upgrade their phones?


I am reminded of my old MS Windows computers that would slow dramatically after "critical" updates to the operating systems.

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Rapid battery drain after installing iOS 16

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