Apple admits iOS 15.4 battery issue on iPhones – but there's a solution

Smartphone: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple's latest iOS 15.4 software update is rumoured to be destroying some users' battery life – but Apple has a surprising fix.

"iOS 15.4 is killing the battery in my iPhone 13 Pro Max. I could go for days without charging, but it’s down to half capacity by mid day," said Twitter user @Odedia

Older iPhones also seem to be affected, with one owner reporting that his iPhone 11 had dropped a whopping 80 per cent battery charge in 24 hours with just two hours of 'screen on' time.

Reports of battery drain after an iOS update are par for the course, but the iOS 15.4 figures do sound pretty shocking. Which is why Apple has weighed in with a very easy fix.

Earlier this week, the Apple Support Twitter account replied to a user complaining about iOS 15.4 battery drain with the following: 

"It's normal for your apps and features to need to adjust up to 48 hours after an update. Let's have you reach out to us in a DM if this is still an issue after that time so we can help you look into this further."

So, there you have it. Battery drain can be fixed by... doing nothing. From what Apple says, it seems that iPhone just needs a bit of extra power for a few days – just until iOS 15.4 has settled into its new home.

The fix hasn't worked for all, though. A number of users have complained that they're still experiencing problems over 72 hours after installing iOS 15.4. If that's you it might be worth DM-ing the Apple Support Twitter account.

It's also worth noting that some iPhone users have noted their their iPhones are running hotter than usual, and even "overheating". Apple has yet to comment on any of those reports, so the iOS 15.4 battery saga might not be over just yet.

It's not been the best week for Apple fans. The latest iPhone 14 rumours point to a thicker-than-expected camera bump, which is disappointing given the 'slimmer is better' trend.

Still, battery troubles aside, iOS 15.4 has plenty going for it. The update lets you use Face ID whilst wearing a mask, start a FaceTime call from Apple Music and enjoy a new gender-neutral Siri voice.

MORE:

Shop today's best Apple deals

Everything you need to know about the iPhone 14

Apple spatial audio: what is it? How do you get it?

TOPICS

Tom is a journalist, copywriter and content designer based in the UK. He has written articles for T3, ShortList, The Sun, The Mail on Sunday, The Daily Telegraph, Elle Deco, The Sunday Times, Men's Health, Mr Porter, Oracle and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include mobile technology, electric vehicles and video streaming.

Read more
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max tips: how to pair, reset, charge, maximise battery life and more
Apple AirPods Max 2024 in blue finish on bookshelf
Lossless audio and wired listening finally come to the AirPods Max
iPhone 16 smartphone
iPhone 17: release date rumours, price leaks, possible specs and features
iPhone 16e on white background screen
The iPhone 16e could be a fantastic music player – but we have some big questions
iPhone 16 Plus smartphone
Got an old iPhone? We'll help you decide on how to upgrade
Apple AirPods Max 2024 in blue finish on bookshelf
I’m shocked Apple quietly dropped wired listening on the new AirPods Max, but there is a workaround
Latest in Smartphones
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
iPhone 16 Plus smartphone
Got an old iPhone? We'll help you decide on how to upgrade
iPhone 16e in black and white on a white background
iPhone 16e vs Sony Xperia 10 VI: what are the differences?
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e's downgrades are in all the right places if, like me, movies on the move are your priority
iPhone 16e on white background
Apple officially unveils the affordable iPhone 16e complete with an OLED display and Dolby Atmos support
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: what's the difference, and which one should you buy?
Latest in News
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
A flower on a TV screen with a gem in the middle.
TCL's new Mini LED TV range comes with huge brightness gains, reduced blooming and souped-up sound
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) small TV
My favourite kitchen TV has dropped to under £100 for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Sony XR-48A90K
Amazon has slashed the price of this five-star Sony OLED, but we have found an even better deal
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position