Apple responds swiftly to iOS 26 beta battery issues

In the United States, on June 16, 2025, Apple disclosed a significant update specifically for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series models. This update is part of the ongoing developer beta cycle for iOS 26, which has garnered attention due to its expedited release process. Apple typically operates on a more relaxed schedule, usually launching updates weeks apart, but in this instance, the company released a new build just three days following the initial beta. This rapid release is unusual and reflects Apple's commitment to addressing emergent issues quickly. The update addresses an important concern where some models were reportedly displaying a low battery symbol and failing to start after being updated to the initial version of iOS 26 beta. The developer beta experience includes a Feedback app, which allowed Apple to communicate the issues and resolutions to its users, showing the company's responsiveness to potential problems caused by early software test releases. In conjunction with this update, iOS 26 introduces several new features that have been compared to existing functionalities found on Android devices. Notable among these is a smart storage feature that aims to manage device storage more effectively, preventing issues during system updates. Similar to existing practices, this feature represents Apple's ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and maintain competitive parity with rival platforms such as Android. With the anticipated features of iOS 26, including improvements in auto-answering spam calls and hold music management during phone calls, Apple is slightly borrowing concepts that have been previously utilized in Android. For instance, the forthcoming support for smart storage management intends to proactively reserve space on the device, showcasing Apple’s desire to innovate while learning from the capabilities already offered by competitors. Users are encouraged to approach the update cautiously, as early beta versions, including this one, may contain bugs and other operational inconsistencies.