You’ve been here before: Your phone’s battery is dead, and now you can’t even tell the time. With the iOS 18 update for iPhone, arriving this autumn, that problem is set to be solved.
Even when your battery runs out, iOS 18 will keep the time visible on the display. This feature also ensures that the “Find My” function remains operational by displaying an empty battery indicator along with the message “iPhone is Findable.” While this isn’t entirely new—older iPhones also show battery status when depleted—iOS 18 refines this functionality.
Enhanced charging limit levels for iPhone 15 series
Beyond the battery display upgrade, iOS 18 brings new charging limit options specifically for the iPhone 15 series, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
According to reports from MacRumors, these models will benefit from additional charging limits. The current 80% charging cap can now be fine-tuned to stop at 85%, 90%, or even 95%, giving users more control over battery longevity. A proactive notification will recommend the ideal charging limit, helping maintain battery health over time.
Previously, users had to charge their phones fully to 100% and then recharge as the battery drained. While this is convenient, it isn’t great for long-term battery health. The new options let users avoid prolonged exposure to full charge, which can be harmful.
Additional battery management features in iOS 18
Currently, this feature is limited to the iPhone 15 models in the developer beta, but it may roll out to other iPhones in future iOS 18 updates.
As Mashable highlights, “Common battery health lore says that the sweet spot for battery health (at least for the types of batteries in iPhones) is between 20% and 80%.” However, 80% might be too low for some users, making the new higher charging limits more appealing.
Of course, there are times when you need a full charge, like on a long day with limited access to power outlets. With iOS 18, you can temporarily raise the limit to 100% for a single charge, then revert to your preferred setting.
Additionally, iOS 18’s new dark mode could save some battery on OLED displays, making it another subtle but effective battery management tool.
Power reserve and find my enhancements
Apple is also improving what you see when your battery is too low for the iPhone to turn on, as reported by a Reddit user and covered by 9to5Mac.
Power Reserve, a feature that keeps a small power reserve after the battery dies so that the iPhone can still be found, has been around for a while. This allows your iPhone to connect with Find My if you mark it as lost, even when the battery is dead, lasting up to five hours.
With iOS 18, Apple is enhancing this feature by adding a small but significant change: the time will now be displayed in the upper left corner of the screen during this Power Reserve period. This placement mirrors where the time normally appears, making it easier to spot.
While some Android devices from Samsung and Google offer similar findable functionality, the new clock display is exclusive to iPhones, and it’s not yet available on all models.
For now, it seems limited to the iPhone 15 models, according to MacRumors. Tests on an iPhone 15 Pro Max confirmed the feature works, but it didn’t appear on an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
As with any beta software, there are caveats. The iOS 18 developer beta is still in its early stages and might cause issues like poor battery life or system instability. It’s advisable not to install it on your primary device just yet.
Closing thoughts
With iOS 18, Apple introduces significant enhancements to battery management and usability, particularly for the latest iPhone 15 models. The ability to view the time and use Find My even when the battery is dead, alongside new charging limits, underscores Apple’s commitment to improving user experience and device longevity.
While initially limited to newer models, these features set a promising precedent for future updates, ensuring users can get the most out of their iPhones.
(Tashia Bernardus)