Tech Desk 
Jul 03, 2025
With the release of iOS 26 developer beta, Apple has brought a major update to its iPhone operating system, including a novel "Adaptive Power" mode.
Designed to prolong battery life, Adaptive Power is a cutting-edge feature powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that helps extend battery life by making subtle performance changes. These include lowering screen brightness and allowing certain tasks to take a bit more time, all without significantly impacting the user experience.
Notably, this feature functions differently from the current "Low Power" mode, which turns off background activity and becomes active when the battery level drops to 20%.
The feature is available exclusively on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, including the iPhone 16 series. This limitation exists because the feature relies on Apple Intelligence, which is only supported by these specific devices.
While the iOS 26 developer beta brings the Adaptive Power feature enabled by default, users can also access it by going to Battery > Power Mode in the Settings menu.
This feature is expected to be particularly beneficial for future iPhone models such as the rumored iPhone 17 Air, which might come with a smaller battery capacity.
By combining Adaptive Power with anticipated advances in battery technology, Apple could deliver significantly longer battery life in its upcoming devices.
Currently in beta testing, iOS 26 is slated for a full release this fall. The update is set to bring a range of new features and enhancements, including upgraded camera functionality and live translation powered by Apple Intelligence.
