With iOS 26, Apple introduced Adaptive Power, which works alongside Low Power Mode. Both are aimed at increasing your iPhone’s battery life , but they work in very different ways. So which is the battery-saving option on your iPhone that you should use?
Low Power Mode on iPhone
Low Power Mode has been available since iOS 9 and is available on all current iPhones. When enabled, it instantly reduces system activity and pauses power-hungry background tasks to extend battery life.
This mode reduces the amount of power your iPhone uses by:
You can turn Low Power Mode on or off at any time. iOS will also prompt you to turn it on when your battery drops below 20%. When your iPhone reaches 80% charge or higher, the mode automatically turns off.
Apple designed this as an emergency battery-saving feature that works best when your iPhone is running low on battery and you can't plug it in right away.
What is Adaptive Power in iOS 26?
Adaptive Power, which debuted in iOS 26, is Apple's latest intelligent battery optimization tool. Unlike Low Power Mode, which drastically reduces battery usage until it turns off, Adaptive Power runs in the background and only activates when battery power is needed most.
Specifically, Adaptive Power can fine-tune iPhone battery usage in real time without slowing down the phone.
The main difference between Adaptive Power and Low Power Mode
| Features | Adaptive Power Mode | Low Power Mode |
| Activate | Auto-Activate | Manual switch or reminder when battery is 20% |
| Impact on performance | Minimal Adjustment | Apps and animations slow down |
| Save battery | Balance between smooth and efficient use | Maximum, drastic reduction of features |
| Features available | Only available on iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and 16 series (AI-enabled models) | Available on almost every iPhone |
| Time of use | Daily heavy use like editing, gaming or video | Emergency use when battery is critically low |
Should I use Adaptive Power or Low Power?
The answer depends on your iPhone model:
Adaptive Power Mode is suitable for:
Use Low Power Mode if:
Both Low Power Mode and Adaptive Power have their merits, but they serve different purposes. The best strategy is to use both. Use Adaptive Power for everyday performance and switch to Low Power Mode when your iPhone's battery is running low.
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