With Apple Intelligence enabled, it was impossible to make it through a day without needing to recharge. However, with it disabled, the iPhone's battery life returned to its former levels.
Discussion
The article from ZDNet highlights a strange phenomenon affecting some iPhone users running iOS 18.2, which was causing their devices' batteries to drain at an alarming rate. The solution, as reported by the author, lay in disabling "Apple Intelligence" (also known as "Performance Mode with Power Optimizations") on their device.
While Apple's Performance Mode is designed to maximize performance and power efficiency under certain conditions, it appears that some users were experiencing battery life issues after updating to iOS 18.2. Disabling this feature allowed the devices' batteries to return to their pre-update levels of longevity.
This situation showcases a potential issue with how Apple implemented its new features in iOS 18.2, highlighting the need for user feedback and testing before such updates are released. It also underscores the importance of being aware of all settings within one's device, as seemingly innocuous adjustments can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes.
It is worth noting that the article is not affiliated with Apple or any of its products, but it serves as a cautionary tale for users navigating the complexities and trade-offs of smartphone software updates.