iOS 26 Update Receives Backlash as Users Report Overheating, Battery Drain and Glitches

 

Apple’s recently released iOS 26 update has hit a bumpy start in India and globally, with users reporting a variety of issues on social media. Complaints range from device overheating and rapid battery drain to glitches affecting essential functions like calling, app switching, and screen rotation. Despite Apple highlighting performance improvements and enhanced security, many iPhone and iPad owners are describing the update as buggy and frustrating to use.

 

Common Problems Reported by Users

 

Overheating and Battery Issues

Many users have noticed their iPhones heating up quickly and losing charge faster than before. Some reports suggest this is particularly noticeable on older devices. For instance, X user @VerdeSelvans shared:

"The device gets hot easily. Battery life is slightly worse."

 

Tech commentator @nixCraft added:

"iOS 26 isn’t just a poorly executed UI with bugs; it also eats battery life faster on older iPhones."

 

Display and Brightness Glitches

Several users reported problems with screen brightness and display orientation. One user mentioned random dimming of the screen, while others noted that switching from portrait to landscape mode does not work correctly on apps like YouTube and Safari, even when settings appear correct.

 

App Freezes and Lag

App performance issues are another common complaint. Users have experienced delays when switching between apps, and sometimes tapping an app icon does not bring the app to the foreground. @Techuchit reported:

"Updated to iOS 26 and noticed a bug: when switching between apps, there’s latency. The app icon you tap doesn’t always redirect properly."

 

Several users also reported issues with WhatsApp and other frequently used apps after the update.

 

iPad-Specific Problems

iPad users on iPadOS 26 are facing additional challenges. @ChowaKaumba shared:

"iPad OS 26 and iOS 26 are currently a glitchy mess. The windows feature is buggy, and my keyboard stopped working properly for hours on an M1 iPad Pro."

 

Connectivity and Call Failures

Some users say the update has affected core phone functions like calling and internet connectivity. @shax_10 commented:

"iOS26 update is horrible! Laggy, can’t make or receive calls, and apps freeze constantly."

 

Apple itself had warned that major updates might temporarily cause performance issues, including overheating and connectivity problems.

 

Accessibility Concerns

Certain accessibility features are also reportedly broken. @so_weird_guy noted:

"iOS 26 feels unreliable. My black-and-white filter designed to reduce phone usage doesn’t work after the update."

 

How Apple Plans to Address the Issues

 

Apple emphasizes that software updates are necessary for security, stability, and new features. Temporary overheating or reduced battery life can occur immediately after an update as devices perform background tasks like re-indexing and app updates.