Apple’s next major iPhone update may quietly deliver one of the most practical upgrades users have been asking for: better battery life. While much of the spotlight this year is expected to shine on artificial intelligence, iOS 27 is shaping up to be just as much about cleaning house as it is about adding flashy new features, as revealed by Mark Gurman in the latest edition of Bloomberg Power On Newsletter.

A smarter, leaner iPhone experience

When Apple rolls out its operating system updates this fall, it will be juggling two major priorities. The first is the integration of AI across the platform, led by a revamped, chatbot-style Siri designed to compete more aggressively with generative AI offerings from rivals. The second – and arguably more foundational – is an internal overhaul of iOS itself.

Over the years, iOS has grown increasingly complex, layered with legacy code and feature additions that have made the system heavier under the hood. With iOS 27, Apple is attempting a reset of sorts. 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 refining performance and stability.

Engineers are removing scraps of old code

They are rewriting existing features and subtly upgrading apps to improve efficiency. The goal is a snappier, more responsive operating system. Apple is also planning minor interface tweaks, though they won’t be as dramatic as last year’s “Liquid Glass” redesign.

The project, internally code-named “Rave,” is also expected to bring efficiency improvements that could translate into better battery life. Rather than relying on bigger batteries or new hardware, Apple is aiming 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 pain points for smartphone users. Even incremental gains can make a noticeable difference – whether it’s making it through a full workday without reaching for a charger or squeezing in extra streaming time during travel.

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, something that aligns with Apple’s broader messaging around sustainability and long-term support.

At the same time, Apple’s AI push risks increasing system demands. More advanced on-device processing and contextual awareness features could strain performance and battery if not carefully managed. By cleaning up the operating system in parallel, Apple appears to be preparing a stronger foundation for heavier AI workloads.

The timing of iOS 27’s overhaul is also strategic

Apple is reportedly preparing to debut new device categories, including a touch-screen MacBook Pro and its first foldable iPhone. A leaner, more stable operating system will be critical to ensuring those products deliver a smooth experience from day one.

Beyond performance, Apple needs iOS 27 to help restore confidence in its AI roadmap. The company has been playing catch-up in the generative AI race, and delivering a more intelligent yet reliable operating system will be key to regaining ground.

Whether Apple markets battery gains as a headline feature or treats them as a quiet bonus remains unclear. But if iOS 27 succeeds in trimming excess code while enhancing AI capabilities, users may find their iPhones not only smarter – but longer-lasting, too.