If you’ve updated to iOS 18.5 and your iPhone battery is suddenly draining faster than ever, you’re not alone. Since iOS 18.5 began rolling out in May 2025, thousands of iPhone users in the USA have reported noticeable iOS 18.5 battery drain issues — from rapid battery drops to devices running hot with minimal use.
Unlike major past updates, iOS 18.5 mainly focused on security improvements and bug fixes rather than flashy new features. Despite that, many people are noticing their battery percentage plummet quicker than before — some even seeing their battery drop from 87% to 83% in just a few minutes.
Why Is iOS 18.5 Draining Your Battery?
There are a few reasons behind the iOS 18.5 battery drain headache:
1. Background Processes: After installing iOS 18.5, your iPhone automatically kicks off system recalibrations, app re-indexing, and other maintenance tasks. These background activities can temporarily increase power usage for around 4–5 days.
2. Unoptimized Apps: Some third-party apps haven’t been fully optimized for iOS 18.5 yet, causing them to run inefficiently and drain more battery than usual.
3. Bugs and Overheating: While iOS 18.5 fixed some bugs, it also introduced a few new ones. Many users say their phones are running hotter than normal — another factor adding to the iOS 18.5 battery drain problem.
4. No Major New Features: Interestingly, despite no big new features, the behind-the-scenes security updates in iOS 18.5 can still put a strain on your battery until the system stabilizes.
Real-World Battery Drain Reports
The iOS 18.5 battery drain isn’t just a small drop. Some users have noticed their battery life shortening from 7 minutes per 1% to just 6 minutes per 1%. Others report their phones feel warm even with light use — a clear sign your iPhone is working overtime in the background.
How to Fix or Reduce iOS 18.5 Battery Drain
Don’t panic — there are several proven ways to fight back against the iOS 18.5 battery drain and get your battery life back on track:
- Wait It Out: Allow your iPhone about 4–5 days after the update for all the background processes to finish. Battery drain usually levels off once the system tasks are done.
- Update Apps & iOS: Make sure all your apps are updated. Also, check if Apple has released a minor patch for iOS 18.5 battery drain bugs — they often roll out quick fixes after hearing from users.
- Restart Your iPhone: A simple reboot can help reset any processes that are stuck and causing excessive battery drain.
- Check Battery Health: Head to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see if your battery is in good condition. If the maximum capacity is low, you might need a battery replacement.
- Turn Off Unneeded Features: Disable Background App Refresh, Location Services (set to “While Using”), Siri Suggestions, and sound recognition. Also, switch to static wallpapers instead of animated ones — every bit helps with iOS 18.5 battery drain.
- Try Repair Tools: If nothing works, third-party iOS repair tools like ReiBoot can help fix deeper system glitches that might be causing battery issues.
- Contact Apple Support: If your iPhone is still struggling weeks after updating, reach out to Apple Support for advanced help.
The iOS 18.5 battery drain is frustrating but often temporary. Be patient for a few days, update your apps, tweak your settings, and keep an eye out for future updates from Apple. For most iPhone users in the USA, these steps will solve the iOS 18.5 battery drain issue and help you get back to a full day’s charge — without having to carry your charger everywhere.
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