The latest iPhone update, iOS 18, has introduced a handy new feature that takes the guesswork out of charging your device. Released on September 16 alongside the iPhone 16 lineup, this update not only brings a variety of enhancements but also helps users get more out of their phone’s fast-charging capabilities.
The most notable addition? A “Slow Charger” warning. If your charger isn’t delivering juice at the pace your iPhone expects, you’ll know about it. The alert appears in the Battery section of the Settings app, letting users see exactly when their iPhone isn’t charging as quickly as it could be.
Spot the slowdown with orange alerts
iOS 18 has redesigned the battery level graph, adding an orange indicator for slow charging sessions. If your charger isn’t up to speed, the familiar green charging bar will turn orange, indicating exactly when your device is charging slower than it should.
However, the exact speed threshold that triggers the slow charge alert is still unclear. While rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 series may support charging speeds of up to 45W, Apple’s official documentation only mentions 20W via USB-C and 30W via MagSafe. So for now, what Apple considers “slow” or “fast” charging remains a bit of a mystery.
Charge smarter, not harder
In addition to the slow charger warning, iOS 18 gives users more control over their battery health with customizable charge limits. You can now limit your battery charge to 85%, 90%, or 95%, in addition to the previous 80% option. This feature is designed to extend battery life by preventing overcharging, a known cause of battery wear.
These improvements reflect Apple’s focus on battery management as lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. While some experts argue that keeping your battery between 20% and 80% maximizes its lifespan, this method has its critics. With iOS 18, Apple is giving users the tools to choose their battery-saving strategy. Overall, the new charging features in iOS 18 are designed to help users protect their devices while remaining aware of how their charging habits affect their phone’s performance.
Image credits: Furkan Demirkaya / Ideogram
