June 23, 2025, 1:26 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
For a long time, iOS has had a built-in power-saving mode that reduces performance and brightness, limits background processes, and scales back animations. However, all of this significantly restricts iPhone usage. The new Adaptive Power Mode–a type of intelligent energy management–aims to conserve battery life without users noticing any difference.
iOS 26 is packed with new features, some of which are quite well hidden. One of these is the Adaptive Power Mode, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize battery usage. Although Apple does not explicitly list the feature under Apple Intelligence, only certain iPhone models support this intelligent energy management.
These Models Get Adaptive Power Mode
The feature is exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro models and newer—devices that provide the necessary computing power for AI-supported functions. Older iPhones are thus excluded from this innovation. Currently, the following Apple Intelligence-compatible models support the Adaptive Power Mode:
- iPhone 15 Pro/15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16/16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max
Read more: These iPhones will no longer receive the iOS 26 update
Owners of the three-year-old iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 might be particularly frustrated by this. The limiting factor for using AI systems like Apple Intelligence is the size of the RAM. In this case, at least 8 gigabytes are required. However, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 only have 6 GB of RAM, which is why these and older models do not support Apple’s AI features.
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How Adaptive Power Mode Works in iOS 26
The intelligent energy management in iOS 26 is designed to dynamically maximize battery life without users experiencing significant performance losses. When high processor power is not needed—such as when reading or scrolling through news—the system automatically reduces the chip’s power supply. At the same time, the screen brightness is often imperceptibly lowered. The power-saving mode also activates automatically when needed to further reduce energy consumption without requiring manual intervention from the user.
Particularly interesting is the learning capability of Apple’s Adaptive Power Mode. The iPhone analyzes the user’s daily behavior. When does intensive use occur, and when are there longer periods of inactivity? Are videos frequently streamed, or are only emails read? Based on this information, the system individually adjusts the energy-saving measures. The goal: a seamless and unobtrusive user experience while conserving the battery.