Battery Drain rate after iOS 16 update

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Battery Drain rate after iOS 16 update

i have an iPad Pro that's about 2-3 years old. It's been great. Yesterday I updated the iOS from 15.7 to 16.3.1 and since then notice quite big difference in battery life doing the exact same things as usual. I checked the Battery in settings and only the apps I use are showing usage. I disabled Background App Refresh, lowered screen brightness, stopped mail fetch, stopped photo indexing....not sure what else to try. I've read reduced battery can be normal for a few days after an update, but not sure if that's a real thing or just fiction.

Called Apple support (Apple care) and the rep was super nice. She ran battery diagnostics and mine was 94% so battery is fine. We went through various settings and did a ReStart as well. She felt my actual device was fine and there are many people with this battery issue after the iOS 16 update. Pretty much she said to watch it for the next few days and if it continues I'd need to bring it in to the Apple Store...but if it's the iOS bringing it to the Apple Store won't help. Even buying a new device wouldn't help if it's their own software that's the problem.

This started only after the iOS update so somehow it's linked to that directly. What else can I try?

Thanks.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 16

Posted on Mar 12, 2023 7:43 AM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

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302,036 points

Mar 12, 2023 7:46 AM in response to Vittoria2

Higher than usual battery utilisation is expected to occur for some hours, or possibly days, after performing a system software update. After updating, many background housekeeping processes will be running - including reindexing the file system. Nominal battery utilisation can be expected to return within a few days.

If you are experiencing very high battery utilisation, a process may have stalled. A forced-restart will usually clear a stuck/stalled process. To restart your iPad:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

If the problems persists, you might be well advised to seek assistance to seek from Apple Support - and request a remote diagnostic test. You can contact the Support Team using the Get Support link at top-right of this page.

Alternatively, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 2

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,036 points

Mar 12, 2023 8:46 AM in response to Vittoria2

The best way to speed the process is to leave your iPad connected to its Power Adapter and WiFi while the background processes are completed. You can still use your iPad while it is connected to the Power Adapter.

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Answer 3

Vittoria2 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 12, 2023 8:28 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you. I did a forced restart on the phone with Apple support. (They ran remote diagnostics as well)

After our session was over they felt it was either an issue of waiting a few days after the iOS update and it might return to normal or that the iOS itself is causing the abnormal battery drain, as she said it was an issue many others were reporting.

still looking for any other adjustments I could try in the meanwhile.

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Answer 4

Vittoria2 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 12, 2023 11:02 AM in response to LotusPilot

That's a good idea. I'll try that. I'm always reluctant to leave my devices plugged in too long, as in the past I left them plugged in the majority of time and ruined batteries so now I'm very careful to follow better battery protocols.

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Answer 5

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,036 points

Mar 12, 2023 1:34 PM in response to Vittoria2

Your iPad will automatically regulate and optimise charging - and will not overcharge the battery. When used in kiosk applications - where external power is connected for extended periods of time - the iPad may modify its charging strategy and limit battery charge to ~80% of maximum. This modified charging strategy is designed to reduce chemical ageing that might otherwise occur if 100% charge is maintained at all times. Nominal 100% charging will be restored when a normal charge/discharge routine is restored.

In summary, it is generally unnecessary to take any special precautions to maximise the service life of your iPad battery. This Support Page outlines Apple’s specific advice for prolonging the life of your iPad’s Li-ion battery:

Batteries - Maximizing Performance - Apple

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Answer 6

Vittoria2 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 12, 2023 4:39 PM in response to LotusPilot

For some reason it's not letting me post a response. I've had to replace multiple iPhones and iPads because of swollen batteries, getting different opinions from the Apple reps. Clearly the battery system is the weak link in their products.

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Battery Drain rate after iOS 16 update

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