Apple has rolled out a new battery-saving feature called Adaptive Power Mode with the iOS 26 update. This feature is designed to make your iPhone last longer by automatically adjusting the phone’s performance. The system uses smart technology to lower energy usage based on how you use your device. However, not every iPhone model can use this feature.
Apple’s New Adaptive Power Mode: A Smarter Way to Save Battery, But Not for Everyone
Not Available on All iPhones
Adaptive Power Mode works by doing several things. It slowly dims the screen, limits the processor’s speed, and reduces the number of tasks running in the background. This combination helps to save battery life without causing noticeable problems for the user.
But here’s the catch — not every iPhone supports this new feature. Apple uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to manage Adaptive Power Mode. Because of this, only the newest iPhones with the latest hardware can run it.
Which iPhones Support Adaptive Power?
Even though iOS 26 can be installed on iPhone 11 and newer models, Adaptive Power Mode is only available on iPhone 15 Pro models and later. The full list of supported devices includes:
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Older devices, even if they can run iOS 26, do not support this feature. This is because they do not have the required hardware for Apple’s AI-powered battery-saving system.
How to Turn On Adaptive Power Mode
If you own a supported iPhone, Adaptive Power Mode is turned off by default. You need to enable it manually. To do this:
Open the Settings app.
Tap Battery.
Select Power Mode.
Turn on Adaptive Power.
Once activated, your iPhone will automatically manage its power to extend battery life when needed.
Is It Worth It?
While Adaptive Power Mode is a great addition, its use is limited to only the latest iPhones. This means most iPhone users won’t be able to try it.
What do you think about this feature being restricted to newer models? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.