If you’ve updated your iPhone to iOS 26, you might be wondering what iOS 26 Adaptive Power is and how it can help your iPhone’s battery last longer. In this guide, we’ll explain what it does, which iPhones support it, how to turn it on, and tips to maximize its use. We’ll also share how it’s different from Low Power Mode and go over some troubleshooting tips if Adaptive Power stops functioning!
Part 1. What Is iOS 26 Adaptive Power? VS Low Power Mode?
Adaptive Power in iOS 26 is a feature that helps extend iPhone battery life by managing power more intelligently. It uses on-device machine learning to study your charging habits and daily usage over about a week. Then, predicts when you’ll need extra battery and makes small adjustments automatically.
The iOS 26 Adaptive Power feature runs quietly in the background and activates when the system notices higher-than-usual battery drain. Though it won’t interfere with demanding tasks like gaming or using the Camera. Some users might confuse it with Low Power Mode. However, it differs from it. Here’s how:
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Feature
Adaptive Power Mode (iOS 26)
Low Power Mode
Activation
Turns on automatically in the background during heavy use, or when battery drains faster than usual.
Kicks in usually at 20% battery or when you switch it on manually.
Functionality
Learns your charging and usage habits, then makes small smart changes.
Cuts power use more aggressively by reducing activity and performance.
Adjustments Made
Slightly lowers brightness (~3%), limits background activity, may auto-turn on Low Power Mode at 20%.
Lowers brightness, stops background app refresh, reduces animations, and turns off auto downloads.
User Noticeability
Meant to be barely noticeable.
You’ll notice slower performance.
Customization
Can be turned on/off in Settings > Battery > Power Mode, notifications available.
Can be toggled in Settings > Battery or Control Center.
Exclusions
Won’t change performance during big tasks (like Camera or games in Game Mode).
Affects all tasks to save power.
Learning Period
Needs about 7 days to learn your habits.
Works right away.
Availability
On by default for iPhone 17 models and iPhone Air, off by default on older models, but can be enabled.
Supports most iPhones.
Benefit
Saves battery smoothly during daily use.
Helps stretch the battery when it’s very low.
Part 2. Which Devices Support Adaptive Power? Default Settings
iPhone 17 Adaptive Power is turned on by default. But on older supported models, you’ll need to switch it on manually in settings. Here’s a list of supported devices that have Adaptive Power on or off by default:
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Device
Adaptive Power Default Setting
iPhone 17
ON
iPhone 17 Pro
ON
iPhone 17 Pro Max
ON
iPhone Air
ON
iPhone 16
OFF
iPhone 16 Plus
OFF
iPhone 16 Pro
OFF
iPhone 16 Pro Max
OFF
iPhone 16e
OFF
iPhone 15 Pro
OFF
iPhone 15 Pro Max
OFF
Part 3. How to Turn On Adaptive Power Mode (Step-by-Step Guide)
If iOS 26 Adaptive Power Mode is not activated by default on your iPhone. You can manually switch it on yourself. Here’s how to turn on Adaptive Power Mode on your iPhone:
Step 1: Open “Settings” on your iPhone. Then, scroll down. Tap “Battery.”
Step 2: Choose “Power Mode.” Switch on Adaptive Power Mode on iOS 26 (switch turns green when activated).
Step 3: You can also switch on “Adaptive Power Notifications” to get alerts when it’s active.
Part 4. Fix iOS 26 Battery or System Glitches
If iOS Adaptive Power won’t toggle, it could be due to an iOS glitch that might require reinstalling iOS, which can take time. In case you’re facing battery drain after an update, you may need a reset of settings. But a simpler option is employing Tenorshare ReiBoot, a professional iOS repair tool that offers a faster and automatic fix.
It features a One-Click Repair for frequent iOS glitches (such as Adaptive Power not toggling). The tool also provides Deep Repair for severe software issues (like battery drain after updates). However, that’s not all, as ReiBoot offers many functions such as:
It can troubleshoot 150+ iOS problems like being stuck on Recovery Mode/Apple Logo/update screen, or in a boot loop.
It can fix app crashes and the blue/black/white/green/pink/yellow screen of death.
It offers Standard Mode to repair minor iOS issues without data loss, while Deep Repair troubleshoots severe iOS problems.
This tool can upgrade and downgrade iOS to the latest version, including Betas.
You can enter/exit Recovery Mode with a single tap.
This app can repair iTunes errors and allows you to reset iOS devices without iTunes/Apple passcode.
You can also back up and restore iOS data without iTunes/iCloud.
The tool can permanently erase data from your iOS devices before selling or giving them away.
Follow the steps beneath to fix the Adaptive Power iOS malfunction with Reiboot’s Standard and Deep Repair:
Using Standard Repair:
Install and execute ReiBoot on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone to the same PC. Choose “Start Repair.”
Select “Standard Repair.”Tap “Download.” This will get the latest iOS firmware on your computer.
Tap “Start Standard Repair.” After the repair process is completed, your iPhone will reboot. Check if the Adaptive Power issue is resolved. If not, employ “Deep Repair.”
Using Deep Repair:
Back up your iPhone, as this will result in data loss. Then, follow “Step 1” of “Standard Repair.”
Next, choose “Deep Repair.” Click “Download.” After the firmware is downloaded, select “Start Deep Repair.”
Hit “Repair” to confirm. When your iPhone reboots after the repair process, check if the Adaptive Power issue is gone.
Part 5. Tips to Maximize Battery Life With Adaptive Power
You can maximize your iPhone’s battery life with iOS 26 Adaptive Power by following some tips, such as:
Give it time: It needs about a week to learn your habits. So, give it time.
Let it run: Functions automatically in the background, so there’s no need to adjust.
Optional alerts: Enable Adaptive Power notifications for updates.
Switch on Low Power Mode: Alongside Adaptive Power, you can save more battery by turning on Low Power Mode when you’re not near a charger.
Limit Background App: Refresh it or turn it off for apps you don’t need running in the background.
Set Mail: Adjust it to fetch less often or only manually.
Location Services: Allow them only while using apps.
Adjust brightness: You can also lower your screen brightness or enable Auto-Brightness.
Switch off Keyboard Haptics: This will help reduce extra drain.
Manage networks: Switch to LTE only if 5G is weak and turn off Wi-Fi or cellular when not needed.
Keep your iPhone cool: Avoid extreme heat.
Update iOS: Stay on the latest version for battery improvements.
Check app usage: In Settings > Battery, see which apps drain power and limit them.
FAQs About Adaptive Power
1.Does Adaptive Power work on iPhone 15?
Yes, Adaptive Power is available on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max with iOS 26, but it isn’t turned on by default. You’ll need to enable it in Settings.
2.Is Adaptive Power better than Low Power Mode?
Adaptive Power and Low Power Mode function differently. Adaptive Power quietly manages battery in the background with small, smart changes you won’t notice. While Low Power Mode cuts performance and background activity more aggressively when your battery is low. Think of Adaptive Power as a smart helper for daily use, and Low Power Mode as a stronger backup when you really need to save power.
3.Can I schedule Adaptive Power?
No. You can’t schedule Adaptive Power. It functions automatically in the background, learning your habits over about a week and adjusting as needed. You can turn it on or off and enable notifications to know when it’s active, but there’s no way to set it for specific times.
Conclusion
iOS 26 Adaptive Power is a feature that saves battery by learning your habits and making small background changes for daily use. It’s unlike the Low Power Mode that cuts power aggressively when the battery is really low and requires manual activation. Some users may also face issues like the Adaptive Power toggle not working or faster battery drain after updates.
Instead of reinstalling iOS or resetting settings, you can use an iOS Repair tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot. It offers “One-Click Repair” for simple glitches and Deep Repair for bigger malfunctions. It’s an easy way to fix issues and keep Adaptive Power working well.
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Tenorshare ReiBoot - Fix iOS Issues
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By Jenefey Aaron
2025-09-25 / change location