Updating your iPhone’s software is a must-do step that keeps your system running smoothly and helps you avoid bugs and other security issues that can arise from using outdated programs. But there’s a catch: what happens when one of those updates seems to seriously affect your phone’s battery and performance in a major way? That’s what happened after many iPhone users downloaded Apple’s latest update, iOS 16.5.1. Some users even took to Twitter to claim that they suspect the worst — that Apple is purposely wreaking havoc on their battery to coincide with their upcoming launch of the new iPhone 15 models (these claims have not been proven, by the way).
Here’s what you need to know about the new update that iPhone users say is “ruining” their battery life and draining their phone within hours.
Major Battery Drainage Issues
At the root of the matter, critics of the iOS 16.5.1 update say it’s a serious drain on their battery, with one person taking to Twitter to claim their phone battery dropped from 77% to 0% after just 5 hours, while they were sleeping. Another person took a screenshot of their battery’s maximum capacity and posted it on Twitter with “94% last week, 93% today.”
Other iPhone users complained that their phone’s feel alarmingly hotter since downloading the new update. One wrote: ‘Has anyone else had issues with their iPhone overheating after the latest update? My hands feel like they are sunburned after I use it. “Has anyone else had issues with their iPhone overheating after the latest update? My hands feel like they are sunburned after I use it.”
As is commonly known, extreme temperatures can seriously affect battery health and are one major culprit behind fast battery drainage
A Suspicious Coincidence?
Although there is no proof that this is the reason for the iOS 16.5.1 update, some iPhone users can’t help but think that the latest draining update is taking place right before Apple’s upcoming September announcement about its latest iPhone 15 launch. This isn’t the first time that Apple has been accused of throttling devices in order to prompt users to upgrade to newer models, and Apple was even forced to pay a $113 million fine in the U.S. and 10 million euro in Italy — all related to battery issues.
Apple famously keeps details about its upcoming launches under wraps, but rumors about the iPhone 15 model include that the addition of a USB-C charging port will make lightning ports obsolete.
What Can You Do About Update Issues?
Maybe you’ve already downloaded iOS 16.5.1 or you’re considering doing so soon to keep your system updated, but want to avoid the battery issues others are facing — what can you do?
The best way to boost your battery’s health is by keeping your phone away from extreme temperatures, removing its case before your charge it (which can cause overheating), and avoiding fully charging your device to 100% or allowing it to dwindle to 0%. The more precautions you take to preserve and care for your battery, the less likely it will fall victim to some of the complaints we’re seeing surrounding the lately software upgrade controversy.
