Apple is gearing up to release its next major iPhone software update, iOS 18.2, in December 2024. This upcoming update promises several exciting features, one of the most notable being a new Battery Intelligence tool that will calculate exactly how long it will take to recharge your iPhone. Thanks to some clever analysis of the iOS 18.2 code, we’ve learned that this feature could be a game-changer for battery management and longevity. Plus, unlike some of the new iOS 18 features like Apple Intelligence, which are limited to the latest iPhone models, this new tool is expected to be compatible with iPhones dating back several years.
How the New iOS 18.2 Charging Feature Works
The BatteryIntelligence framework, discovered in the iOS 18.2 code, will provide users with an estimated time to recharge their iPhone based on the amount of energy being received. This feature will offer notifications that inform you of the time it will take to reach certain charge levels—such as 80%—making it easier for users to manage their battery health.
This is a significant improvement for iPhone users, as the device will be able to give you an accurate estimate of when the battery will reach a specific charge level. For instance, you could see a notification telling you how long it will take to reach 80%, a crucial threshold for those mindful of optimizing battery lifespan.
Optimizing Battery Health with iOS 18.2
This new feature could be particularly beneficial for maintaining battery health. As you may know, consistently charging an iPhone to 100% can gradually degrade the battery’s lifespan over time. Apple’s smart charging system helps mitigate this by learning your charging patterns and stopping the charge before it hits 100%, finishing up only when it detects that you’re about to wake up or use the device.
With the new iOS 18.2 update, users will have more control over their charging preferences, offering charge limits at 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%. These customizable options will make it easier for users to prevent overcharging, which is believed to extend battery lifespan.
A More Informed Charging Experience
In addition to the BatteryIntelligence feature, iOS 18.2 will continue to notify users if they’re using a slow charger. With the new updates, Apple is building on these features to provide a more seamless and informed charging experience. This will allow users to better manage their charging habits, which could lead to improved battery performance and longevity.
While the feature is currently in beta and not yet fully activated, it is expected to roll out with iOS 18.2 in December 2024. The beta versions of iOS 18.2 have already begun, with the first developer beta released on October 25, 2024, followed by the second version on November 4. The public beta became available on November 6, 2024, allowing users to get a sneak peek at these new features.
Other iOS 18.2 Features
Although the new charging time estimate is one of the headline features of iOS 18.2, there are plenty of other improvements as well. Some users may also gain access to the ability to download the Apple App Store directly, and there are likely additional enhancements to Apple Intelligence and other system optimizations.
If you can’t wait until the official release, you can always try out the beta versions of iOS 18.2, which are now available for developers and public testers.
