A new Apple Intelligence feature in iOS 26 called “Adaptive Power” is quietly working to extend the battery life of compatible iPhones. The feature, which is enabled by default on the latest iPhone 17 models and available as an option on other devices that support Apple Intelligence, is designed to be a more intelligent alternative to the existing Low Power Mode.
Unlike Low Power Mode, which broadly limits background activity and dims the screen, Adaptive Power is described as a “scalpel” that intelligently trims power consumption in specific, high-demand situations. According to Apple’s iPhone user guide, the feature “uses on-device intelligence to predict when you’ll need extra battery power based on your recent usage patterns, then makes performance adjustments to help your battery last longer.”
This process, which Apple says takes about a week to learn a user’s behavior, works in the background without user management. The optimizations are most likely to be felt during power-hungry tasks like recording video, editing photos, or playing games. When the feature is active, a notification appears to alert the user.
Because Adaptive Power relies on AI to monitor and predict usage, it is only available on iPhone models that are compatible with Apple Intelligence. This includes the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, iPhone 16 series, and the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. The feature is not available on iPad or Mac models, even those that support Apple Intelligence.
On the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, Adaptive Power is turned on by default. On other compatible models, users must opt-in by going to Settings > Battery > Power Mode and turning on the Adaptive Power toggle. An option to receive notifications when the feature is active is also available in the same menu.
