Apple’s next big iPhone update could quietly deliver one of the most practical upgrades users have been asking for: longer battery life. While much of the spotlight is expected to be on artificial intelligence this year, iOS 27 will be just as much about cleaning things up and adding eye-catching new features, as Mark Gurman revealed in the latest edition of the Bloomberg Power On newsletter.
A smarter, sleeker iPhone experience
When Apple rolls out its operating system updates this fall, the company will be juggling two main priorities. The first is the integration of AI across the platform, led by a revamped chatbot-style Siri designed to compete more aggressively with rival generative AI offerings. The second – and arguably more fundamental – is an internal overhaul of iOS itself.
Over the years, iOS has become increasingly complex, layered with outdated code and feature additions that have made the system increasingly heavy under the hood. With iOS 27, Apple is trying a kind of reset. The effort has been compared to the company’s Snow Leopard era on the Mac, when it focused less on new features and more on improving performance and stability.
Engineers remove remnants of old code
They rewrite existing features and subtly update apps to improve efficiency. The goal is a faster, more responsive operating system. Apple is also planning minor interface changes, although they won’t be as dramatic as last year’s “Liquid Glass” redesign.
The project, codenamed “Rave” internally, is also expected to bring efficiency improvements that could translate into longer battery life. Instead of relying on larger batteries or new hardware, Apple wants to squeeze more endurance out of existing devices through smarter code. If successful, these optimizations could reduce background activity, improve power management, and extend daily usage time.
Battery life remains one of the biggest concerns for smartphone users. Even incremental progress can make a noticeable difference, whether it’s getting through an entire work day without reaching for the charger or saving extra streaming time while traveling.
Importantly, these improvements would benefit a wide range of existing iPhone users, not just those upgrading to new hardware. Software-level optimizations can extend the practical lifespan of devices, which is consistent with Apple’s broader messaging around sustainability and long-term support.
At the same time, Apple’s AI push risks increasing system requirements. Advanced on-device processing and contextual awareness capabilities could drain performance and battery life if not managed carefully. By cleaning up the operating system in parallel, Apple appears to be creating a stronger foundation for higher AI workloads.
The timing of the iOS 27 overhaul is also strategic
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch new categories of devices, including a touchscreen MacBook Pro and its first foldable iPhone. A leaner, more stable operating system will be critical to ensuring these products deliver a seamless experience from day one.
Beyond performance, Apple needs iOS 27 to restore confidence in its AI roadmap. The company has caught up in the generative AI race, and delivering a smarter yet more reliable operating system will be key to regaining ground.
Whether Apple markets the battery gains as a headline feature or treats them as a silent bonus remains unclear. But if iOS 27 manages to reduce excess code while improving AI capabilities, users may find their iPhones not only smarter, but also more durable.
