Apple’s latest iOS 26 update includes a quiet but significant feature: Adaptive Power. While Apple Intelligence grabs headlines, this tool works behind the scenes to improve battery performance, even on older iPhone models that support the AI tech.
How Adaptive Power Works
Unlike Low Power Mode, which aggressively cuts back on background activity, Adaptive Power takes a more nuanced approach. Instead of a blunt reduction in processing power, it predicts when you’ll need extra battery life based on your usage patterns and makes subtle performance adjustments to extend longevity. This makes it more useful than Low Power Mode, which can be disruptive.
The feature is most effective during power-intensive tasks such as video recording, photo editing, or gaming. It’s designed to work without user intervention, learning your habits over roughly a week before actively optimizing power usage.
Which iPhones Get Adaptive Power?
Adaptive Power requires Apple Intelligence compatibility. Currently, it’s available on the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
Notably, while some iPads and Macs support Apple Intelligence, this feature is exclusive to iPhones.
Enabling Adaptive Power
On iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air models, Adaptive Power is enabled by default. For other compatible devices, you must manually turn it on in Settings > Battery > Power Mode. You can also enable Adaptive Power Notifications to receive alerts when the feature is active.
The Broader Impact
Adaptive Power is an extension of Apple’s Gaming Mode, introduced in iOS 18, which prioritizes frontmost apps for maximum performance at the cost of battery life. The new feature strikes a balance, optimizing for longevity without necessarily sacrificing user experience.
Given that a CNET survey shows 61% of phone upgrades are driven by battery concerns, Adaptive Power could significantly extend the lifespan of iPhones. Users may not even notice the subtle adjustments, such as slight brightness tweaks or prioritized processing, but the cumulative effect could be substantial.
The key takeaway is that Adaptive Power isn’t about making radical changes. It’s about intelligently managing power to provide a smoother, longer-lasting user experience.
