Urgent Safety Issue – Swollen Battery on iPhone 15 Pro After iOS 26 Update

This isn't Apple Support. This is a user to user only forum. Software updates don't cause batteries to swell, even if you think it did. Batteries which are depleted, which could be the case on a two year old phone, where the battery health dips below 80% can fail.

If your phone is no longer within warranty, if Apple can fix your phone, they'll tell you how much it will cost you. If they can't fix your phone, they'll offer to recycle it and you'll need to buy a new iPhone.

Follow the advice LD150 provided and do NOT use the phone. Don't expect Apple to cover this under warranty, unless you wisely paid for an AppleCare+ plan.

Do NOT charge it

Do NOT use it

Take it to an Apple store, do NOT post it

Apple will almost certainly condemn it and recycle it (for free)

They will not reimburse you anything, out of warranty.

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Batteries fail because they are consumable. Did you check your Battery Health at Settings > Battery > Battery Health > Maximum Capacity?

There is no causal effect of iOS 26 causing a battery to fail. You could have been using a processor intensive app or visited a website when you noticed the problem and conclude that was the cause.

You have been given the correct recommendation to not use or charge the device and take it to Apple for service.

I kindly request that Apple cover the repair or replacement of the device at no cost — either by replacing the swollen battery or, if necessary, providing a replacement iPhone.

While we cannot officially speak for Apple, we are very familiar with their policies and procedures.

Apple is not going to repair or replace your phone for free.

If repairs are even possible, you will have to pay for them. If repairs are not possible......which is likely......you will have to buy a new phone.