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Swollen Battery on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max After iOS 26 Update - safety issue

I’m posting this because I’m genuinely concerned about a serious safety issue that started shortly after installing the iOS 26 update.


Before the update, I never had any problems with my iPhone. Shortly after updating, my boyfriend’s iPhone 14 Pro Max began losing battery extremely fast. It escalated to the point where he could barely use the phone unless it was constantly connected to a charger. Not long after, the battery became swollen and caused the display to lift away from the frame.


At the time, I assumed this was simply age-related. However, now (about two weeks later), I started experiencing the exact same progression on my iPhone 15 Pro. It began with rapidly draining battery life, and it has continued to worsen day by day. Now my device is also showing visible battery swelling, with the screen lifting from the frame.


In both cases, the phones were in excellent condition prior to the update. We have always used original Apple chargers and accessories only, and there was no physical damage, overheating, or misuse. This is not a cosmetic issue, the devices are now potentially dangerous to use or charge, which is deeply concerning.


I usually trust Apple and have had very positive experiences over the years, which makes this situation especially frustrating. The fact that two different models developed the same battery failure pattern shortly after the same update makes it very hard to believe this is a coincidence. I’ve also seen online posts describing similar experiences, but it’s unclear how to proceed.


I’m located in Austria and would appreciate guidance on next steps or clarification on how Apple is addressing cases like this, as this appears to be a battery malfunction posing a real safety risk.


Has anyone else experienced rapid battery drain followed by battery swelling after the iOS 26 update??

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 26

Gepostet am 18. Jan. 2026 02:00

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Gepostet am 18. Jan. 2026 03:17

Hello larissanastasia


What you’re describing is understandably alarming, and it’s important to clearly separate software effects from hardware safety issues.


According to Apple, it is normal after a major iOS update for the battery to drain faster for a limited time. This happens because the system performs background tasks such as indexing, optimization and app updates. Apple explicitly documents this behavior and states that it usually stabilizes after a few days.


What Apple does not confirm or document is any link between an iOS update and physical battery swelling. A swollen battery is considered a hardware defect and a potential safety risk, regardless of timing. Lithium-ion batteries can swell due to aging, internal failure or manufacturing issues, but software alone does not cause a battery to physically expand.


The lifted display you describe is a classic sign of battery swelling. In that situation, Apple’s guidance is clear:


the device should not be used or charged further and should be inspected by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider as soon as possible.


The fact that two devices show similar symptoms after an update can feel like more than coincidence, but from Apple’s documented position this would still be treated as separate hardware failures, not an iOS-induced issue. Community reports online can be useful signals, but they are not confirmation of a systemic software fault unless Apple acknowledges it.


Given that you are in Austria, the correct next step is to:


  • stop charging the affected devices
  • contact Apple Support directly and report battery swelling
  • arrange an inspection or service appointment


Apple takes swollen batteries seriously because of fire and injury risk, and these cases are handled outside of normal “battery health” discussions.


Your concern is valid, and you’re doing the right thing by treating this as a safety issue rather than a cosmetic or performance problem. Even if the timing feels suspicious, the correct and safest path is immediate hardware evaluation by Apple.


If you want, you can also submit feedback separately, but don’t wait on that before getting the devices checked.

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Benutzerprofil für Benutzer: PreCognition
PreCognition
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18. Jan. 2026 03:17 als Antwort auf larissanastasia

Hello larissanastasia


What you’re describing is understandably alarming, and it’s important to clearly separate software effects from hardware safety issues.


According to Apple, it is normal after a major iOS update for the battery to drain faster for a limited time. This happens because the system performs background tasks such as indexing, optimization and app updates. Apple explicitly documents this behavior and states that it usually stabilizes after a few days.


What Apple does not confirm or document is any link between an iOS update and physical battery swelling. A swollen battery is considered a hardware defect and a potential safety risk, regardless of timing. Lithium-ion batteries can swell due to aging, internal failure or manufacturing issues, but software alone does not cause a battery to physically expand.


The lifted display you describe is a classic sign of battery swelling. In that situation, Apple’s guidance is clear:


the device should not be used or charged further and should be inspected by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider as soon as possible.


The fact that two devices show similar symptoms after an update can feel like more than coincidence, but from Apple’s documented position this would still be treated as separate hardware failures, not an iOS-induced issue. Community reports online can be useful signals, but they are not confirmation of a systemic software fault unless Apple acknowledges it.


Given that you are in Austria, the correct next step is to:


  • stop charging the affected devices
  • contact Apple Support directly and report battery swelling
  • arrange an inspection or service appointment


Apple takes swollen batteries seriously because of fire and injury risk, and these cases are handled outside of normal “battery health” discussions.


Your concern is valid, and you’re doing the right thing by treating this as a safety issue rather than a cosmetic or performance problem. Even if the timing feels suspicious, the correct and safest path is immediate hardware evaluation by Apple.


If you want, you can also submit feedback separately, but don’t wait on that before getting the devices checked.

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Swollen Battery on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max After iOS 26 Update - safety issue

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