iPad battery drains after updating to 16.3.1

Both my iPad 2 and iPhone 8 batteries drain FAST since update to 16.3.1. What to do?


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Posted on Feb 25, 2023 1:55 PM

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Posted on Apr 8, 2023 1:58 AM

I just purchased iPad Pro 12.9 2022 model and the battery life is absolutely rubbish. My partner’s 8 years old iPad lasts way longer than my one. I have everything switched off, no notifications, no background app refresh, no Bluetooth. My iPad definitely is not lasting the advertised 10 hours max 4 and I’m using it very light, no games a bit of safari, YouTube and Netflix. Is this common for everyone. Is this a recent change related to os update or it is related to m2 or screen. Can anyone who own the same iPad longer advise? I’m wonder of yours experience.

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Jul 21, 2023 5:23 AM in response to kimnmi

The battery drain on 16.5.1 is an issue that Apple need to sort out.

From 100% charge my iPad is showing 69% after a couple of hours run time.


It was never like this so the software update is implicated for sure.

Just another example of how Apple fail to ensure integrity of software update now.

It was never like this and one reason I migrated away from Microsoft.


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Mar 21, 2023 1:01 PM in response to kimnmi

Battery drains so quickly since iOS update that most of the time I have to use my ipad while it’s attached to the charging port. Scheduled to have new battery installed tomorrow, but I don’t know if that’s going to help the current situation or if it’s just throwing money out the window because whatever is draining my existing battery is going to drain my new one as well. I backed up before installing the new iOS, but now I can’t find the file to restore.

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Jun 19, 2023 11:55 AM in response to kimnmi

I wonder if this is what's happening to me, though from 16.5. (iPad Air, 3rd gen). I used to get a lot of battery use, but now it's draining very quickly - especially the second 50%, which I've seen happen within an hour, while the iPad is off. There's nothing running when this happens. My battery capacity is at 81%. Cycle count is still below 1000. It doesn't make any sense. It's only been doing this within the last week or so.

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Mar 15, 2023 9:08 AM in response to kimnmi

Thanks, I was told that on older iPads, the new update takes up more computing power. I blended knee and upgraded to generation 10. Also was advised NOT to take updates on older products. Older iPhones and pads have been out long enough to have had “bug” fixes long ago.

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Mar 23, 2023 9:10 AM in response to Stickchick67

Sorry to hear you are still having problems. I’m also tired of these companies changing things for the sake of change, but doing things that cause us problems without telling us, or offering fixes is inexcusable. I’m full in on Apple and have no interest in Android.


I hope a fix comes soon, but admitting there is a problem should come first.

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Apr 26, 2023 1:09 AM in response to kimnmi

Having same issue with iPad Air 5th gen and iPhone SE. Having to charge both daily but only using for a few hours. Updates should be to fix and improve not cause more problems and cost people more, especially in this age of trying to be more environmentally conscious. Sort it out Apple. Not impressed.

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Jul 27, 2023 3:05 PM in response to Greybeard1058

Agreed. My iPad Pro running current iPadOS does not have this ‘feature’ either and both my and my wife’s iPad Pro are draining the battery much faster since recently updating the software. Apple needs to admit and fix their issue asap. I’m losing my sense of humor over this…

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Jul 28, 2023 4:41 AM in response to CR-M3

After spending many years as a software integrator on the Microsoft platforms (corporate policy to avoid Apple), I have been enjoying my personal use of Apple products. Unfortunately the original quality of this product, especially in regard to software integrity, has resurrected some of my frustrations from those working days. Apple need to get back to basics here and sort out their QA of software releases.

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Aug 8, 2023 5:44 AM in response to Loppear71

Yes this is getting tiresome now and Apple are slow to respond. My latest issue with the iPad is when the touchscreen doesn't respond. The connected keyboard works to allow the security access but without the touch it's a dead duck! Power off by pressing Power / Home and after a restart the problem is resolved.

Not sure if this is an old issue prior to the last software upgrade - new to me anyway.


My days working working with crappy Microsoft are being relived with this Apple software quality.

Will anyone get real at Apple and bring back proper QA procedures?

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Sep 20, 2023 2:21 PM in response to Langros1

I did the update to 16.6.1 just last evening and I can confirm the iPad battery drain remains as a priority issue for Apple to get fixed. It’s no longer funny and they need to take this seriously because it’s become a PITA.

Can’t comment on iOS v17 as when I try to check for updates, I just get that my model is up to date (iPad Pro 12”)


BTW - can this get any worse:(


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iPad battery drains after updating to 16.3.1

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