The iPhone 17.0.3 update has been released and has been noted as being designed to prevent the iPhone 15 Pro from overheating. However, Apple confirmed that the update helped fix another bug that was causing the iPhone battery to drain too quickly. This bug is entirely the fault of the watchOS 10.1 beta.

According to Apple, users may have noticed "increased power consumption" when pairing an Apple Watch running the beta with an iPhone running the final version of iOS 17 instead of the iOS 17 beta. Apparently, this issue can also occur with iPhones running iOS 17.1 beta and the final version of watchOS 10.

This is an odd combination of factors, especially since nothing is said about whether pairing the two beta versions with the two stable software versions caused similar battery issues. Or even why this bug occurred in the first place. But at least those who have recently experienced poor battery life on their iPhones will have found the cause.

Needless to say, if you have an iPhone and an Apple Watch, you should certainly update both devices to the latest software version, whether stable or beta. Otherwise, you will be plagued with mysterious battery issues for the foreseeable future.

Judging from the iOS 17.1 beta, there are many other exciting features. So it's important to keep your phone up-to-date, and not just for the serious bug fixes. Upcoming features include a new Favorites button and customizable artwork for Apple Music, a new toggle to turn off the display in StandBy mode, and a toggle to use cellular data for AirDrop transfers.

Apple has also tweaked the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro to avoid unwanted triggers when the phone is in your pocket. Obviously there is no setting for that, but it means you won't accidentally switch on the flashlight or switch the phone out of silent mode without realizing it.

The iOS 17.1 beta has only just begun to roll out to developers, so it may be a little while before we get to experience it firsthand. In the meantime, make sure your device is on the latest version and your battery lasts longer.