Apple’s newest iOS 18.4 update introduces eight fresh emojis, but many iPhone users claim it has come at a steep cost rapid battery drain.
Among the latest additions are a paint splatter, an exhausted face, a leafless tree, a radish, a harp, a shovel, a fingerprint, and the flag of Sark, a small island in the English Channel. These emojis were approved last year by the Unicode Consortium, the organization responsible for maintaining global text standards.
Users Report Severe Battery Drain After Updating
While iOS 18.4 also rolls out improved Apple Intelligence (AI) features and bug fixes, iPhone owners were quick to notice a major issue significantly reduced battery life.
Within hours of the update, frustrated users took to Apple Community forums and social media to report battery problems.
One X user even shared a screenshot from their iPhone’s battery settings, showing a dramatic drop in charge from noon onwards.
Apple Responds: Battery Drain is Temporary
Apple has acknowledged that battery performance may decline temporarily after an update but insists the issue should resolve itself within a few days.
“Even though you can use your iPhone immediately after an update, certain tasks related to the update continue in the background and might affect battery life and thermal performance,” Apple explains.
How to Fix iPhone Battery Drain After iOS 18.4
Experts on Apple Community forums suggest several ways to improve battery life:
- Check Battery Health: Apple recommends replacing the battery if its health falls below 89%.
- Enable Low Power Mode: This reduces background activity to conserve power.
- Adjust Screen Brightness: Lowering brightness can significantly extend battery life.
- Disable Background App Refresh & Location Services: These features can drain power quickly.
- Check Battery Usage Stats: Identify apps consuming the most energy and adjust their settings accordingly.
Battery drain is a common issue after software updates, especially for older iPhones where the hardware struggles to keep up with newer, more demanding software.
Would you update to iOS 18.4 or wait until Apple addresses the issue?