- Apple released iOS 17.2 earlier this week with a new Journal app and bug fixes
- But users claim their iPhone’s battery life has dropped after downloading it
It has only been available for a matter of days.
But it seems that Apple’s iOS 17.2 update is already wreaking havoc on the battery life of many iPhones.
Several frustrated users have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to discuss the issue, with one claiming they’re now having to charge their iPhone multiple times throughout the day.
‘Since I updated my iPhone SE 2 iOS 17.2 the battery has been draining real fast… It’s 16:37 now… And I have already plugged in my iPhone 2 times,’ they wrote.
Here’s what to do if you’ve updated your iPhone to iOS 17.2 and have noticed problems with your battery.
iOS 17.2 was released earlier this week, and is available now for iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
The update introduces a brand-new tool called Journal, which Apple describes as a ‘way to reflect on life’s moments and preserve your memories.’
What’s more, the release includes urgent bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone.
Several excited iPhone users rushed to download it, but it seems that many are now regretting their decision.
‘iOS 17.2 is killing my battery I swear,’ one user tweeted.
Another added: ‘IOS 17.2 draining battery a lot man.’
And one vented: ‘Updated to ios 17.2 and its drained my battery so fast. just use it for 10 minutes to change my contact picture, and it drain from 99 to 91 so fast.’
Thankfully, it’s unlikely that the battery issues are here to stay.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, a researcher at ZDNet, explained: ‘Installing a new OS on an iPhone triggers a lot of stuff to go on in the background, from indexing to recalibrating the battery, and this can go on for hours or even days.
‘Not only does this consume power, but the battery recalibration can give the impression that the battery is draining more rapidly when in fact it isn’t.
‘Add to this the dual factor of a lot of app updates happening following a new release, combined with a lot of new features available that may put more drain on an older handset.’
If you’re worried about your iPhone battery and it’s been a few days since you updated to iOS 17.2, Mr Kingsley-Hughes advises checking your battery health.
He added: ‘If you go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and the message is that it is good for Peak Performance Capability, then it’s either just the normal stuff going on, or a bug.’
If you can brave the potential battery issues, the iOS 17.2 update includes several exciting new features.
Journal
Journal is a brand-new app where users can capture and write about moments and special events in their lives.
Users can choose to upload written entries, as well as photos, videos, audio recordings or locations.
‘We are excited to bring the benefits of journaling to more people,’ said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
‘Journal makes it easy to preserve rich and powerful memories, and practice gratitude by intelligently curating information that is personal to the user, right from their iPhone.
‘And we’re making it possible for other journaling apps to offer the same personalised suggestions while maintaining the highest level of privacy.’
Action Button
It was one of the most talked-about new features in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and now the Action Button is getting an exciting update.
Users can now set the button up to quickly translate phrases during a conversation with someone in another language.
Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are also receiving an upgrade to the camera system.
‘Spatial video lets you capture video on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max so you can relive your memories in three dimensions on Apple Vision Pro,’ Apple explained.
‘Improved Telephoto camera focusing speed when capturing small, faraway objects on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.’
Messages
The messages app now features a catch-up arrow in the top-right corner, which lets you quickly jump to your first unread message in a conversation.
Meanwhile, Apple’s cartoon doppelganger feature, Memoji, has been updated with the ability to adjust the body shape.
Weather
The Weather app now shows precipitation amounts, while new widgets let you choose from next-hour precipitation, daily forecast, sunrise and sunset times, and current conditions such as Air Quality, Feels Like and wind speed.
A new interactive moon calendar also lets you see which phase of the moon we’re in for any day for the next month.
Improvements and bug fixes
Aside from the new features, the update also has several improvements and bug fixes.
AirDrop has been improved, allowing you to share boarding passes, cinema tickets and other eligible passes by bringing two iPhones together.
Meanwhile, Autofill has been enhanced, enabling to you to fill in names and addresses from your contacts in PDFs and other forms.
And while Apple doesn’t disclose the specific bug fixes, it adds that iOS 17.2 ‘fixes an issue that may prevent wireless charging in certain vehicles.’
Laura Adams is a tech enthusiast residing in the UK. Her articles cover the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
