Your iPhone Is About to Get a Helpful New Charging Feature

Yahoo

03-06-2025

Apple is expected to roll out the feature with the next big iOS update.
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is set to kick off next week — on June 9th — and, as is tradition, it's going to give us a first look at the next-gen software updates coming to all its various devices in the fall.
iOS 19 is the upcoming major software update for iPhones (although there are reports that Apple will jump to iOS 26, a more convenient naming convention for 2026) and, naturally, it's expected to deliver a new look and a lot of new features.
And, if the rumors are true, one of those is a new charging feature that could be super useful for any iPhone user on the go.
In November, with the second beta of iOS 18.2, there was code uncovered hinting at a new feature called 'BatteryIntelligence.' This was an Apple Intelligence feature that was supposed to provide an estimate of how long it would take your iPhone to fully charge (or reach the charge limit you've set).
However, when iOS 18.2 was rolled out, as well as all subsequent iOS 18 updates, this feature never materialized.
That's expected to finally change once iOS 19 is rolled out. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the upcoming operating system will add 'a lock-screen indicator showing how long it will take to charge up' your iPhone.
This way, you'll have an idea how long you'll need to let your iPhone charge before you grab it and go — no need to even unlock your iPhone.
Of course, it's unclear how your iPhone will know what kind of charger you'll be using (as wired charging is still much faster than wireless charging, MagSafe or not). But we'll learn more of those details in good time.
Apple is expected to announce iOS 19 — or iOS 26, if rumors are correct — on June 9th at WWDC. The software update will then be rolled out to the general public in September, following the announcement of the new iPhones.
Given that this feature is expected to harness Apple Intelligence, you'll likely need an iPhone that supports it. That means you'll need to have an iPhone 16 (any model) or an iPhone 15 Pro/Max.
Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol's editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.