Apple’s latest software release was meant to wow users with sleek new designs and futuristic features.
But instead, iPhone owners are filling social media with complaints about overheating devices and batteries that seem to drain faster than ever.
iOS 26, which rolled out last night after months of anticipation, is already proving to be one of Apple’s most talked-about — and divisive — updates.
A Fresh Look That Divides Opinion
Unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June, iOS 26 brings a bold new visual style called Liquid Glass.
The translucent design gives apps, widgets, and lock screens a shimmering, glass-like effect that reflects and refracts its surroundings.
Apple described it as a way to make the iPhone “more personal and expressive than ever.”
While many fans rushed to install the update, excitement quickly turned into frustration as users noticed their phones heating up and batteries draining within hours.
Frustrated Users Share Their Experience
On X, formerly Twitter, one person complained:
“Just fully charged my phone 58 minutes ago and it’s already down to 79%. iOS 26 is turning my phone into a brick.”
Another said their phone was burning up, with battery health suddenly dropping to 80% despite no changes in charging habits.
Others vented that their devices were “battery hogs,” with some reporting a drop to 20–30% by midday when they would normally still have half their power left.
Apple Responds With a Warning
In the face of growing backlash, Apple stepped in to reassure users.
The company admitted that iPhones may overheat and lose battery life faster right after a major update. But, they stressed, this is only temporary.
According to Apple’s guidance, background tasks such as indexing data, downloading new assets, and updating apps can make a phone run hotter and chew through battery life.
“Depending on individual usage, some users may notice a small impact on performance and battery life,” Apple explained, adding that things should return to normal within a few days.
What’s New in iOS 26
Despite the rocky start, iOS 26 comes packed with new tools and design tweaks:
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Liquid Glass design overhaul for icons, widgets, and lock screens
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Updates to Camera, Safari, and Phone apps
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Filtering for unknown messages and custom chat backgrounds in Messages
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A new Games app collecting all Apple Arcade titles in one place
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Live translation across Phone, FaceTime, and Messages
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Expanded Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and CarPlay updates
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Smarter screen recognition with Apple Intelligence
Not the First Time iPhone Updates Cause Panic
It’s not unusual for major iOS releases to spark complaints in their early days.
Historically, iPhones often need extra time to recalibrate after a big update.
Still, the sudden drain and heat issues are hitting a nerve, especially as Apple promotes iOS 26 as a leap forward in style and functionality.
A Billion-Dollar Company, A Familiar Story
This moment is just another chapter in Apple’s long history of highs and hiccups.
From the Macintosh launch in 1984 to the iPhone’s debut in 2007, and more recently the push into AI with “Apple Intelligence,” the company has had its share of triumphs and controversies.
With iOS 26, Apple once again finds itself balancing dazzling new features with frustrated users adjusting to the growing pains.