iOS 17 Update brings battery life problems to some old iPhones

Apple has rolled out the official release of iOS 17, their latest operating system. This update brings a host of new features and enhancements to the table. However, not all iPhone models are compatible with iOS 17. Out of the 19 models previously released, only a select few can be upgraded to the new system. This list includes popular models such as the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone SE 3, and iPhone SE 2 series. Unfortunately, older models like the iPhone X and earlier iterations will not receive support for iOS 17.

Although iOS 17 brings exciting improvements, some users have encountered an unexpected issue after updating. Many iPhone users have reported a noticeable decline in battery life following the installation of iOS 17. To investigate this matter further, iAppleBytes conducted a comprehensive power consumption test on older iPhones that had been updated to iOS 17.

The test involved five different iPhone models: the iPhone SE 2, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13. By using Geekbench's battery test feature, iAppleBytes reached a disheartening conclusion. They found that "the battery life of all these older models has really been reduced" after the update. Notably, the iPhone 13 and iPhone XR experienced significant drops in charge to charge duration. With the iPhone XR showcasing its poorest battery performance since the introduction of iOS 14.

To illustrate the progression of battery life across different iOS versions, iAppleBytes provided a comprehensive chart. This chart showcased the actual battery life of the aforementioned models from iOS 15 to iOS 17. Based on this data and the reported battery issues, it is advisable for users who have yet to update to iOS 17 to remain on iOS 16.7. By doing so, they can avoid potential battery life complications associated with the latest release.

Several users on Reddit and Apple support pages have also reported that they noticed a lower battery life after updating to the new software. Apple is likely aware of the problem and may address it in future updates to ensure an optimal user experience across all iPhone models.