iOS 26 Adds Charging Time Estimate for iPhone Battery: Here’s How It Works

If you’ve ever plugged in your iPhone and wondered, “How long will this take?” iOS 26 finally gives you an answer. With the latest update, your iPhone now shows exactly how much time is left until your battery is fully charged.

Apple refers to this as a charging time estimate, and it applies to both wired and wireless chargers. The feature appears directly on your Lock Screen while charging. So, if you’re heading out soon and need a quick top-up, you can simply glance at your screen to see if you’ve got enough time to juice up.

Where You’ll See the Charging Time Estimate in iOS 26

Apple integrates the charging estimate in two key places on your iPhone:

1. Lock Screen

As soon as your iPhone is plugged in and below 80%, you’ll see a live estimate of how long it will take to reach that mark. For example, if your battery is at 77%, the Lock Screen might show “7 minutes until 80%.”

2. Battery Settings

Head into Settings > Battery to get a full breakdown. You’ll see how much time is left until your battery reaches both 80% and 100%. Once your phone is unplugged, this screen will also show your last charge status and percentage.

This makes it easier to compare charger speeds. If you’re using a slow charger or a basic Qi wireless pad, the estimate will reflect that by showing longer times. In other words, it’s not just about the time — it’s a real-time speed check too.

Why This Feature Matters in iOS 26

Until now, iPhones didn’t tell you how long a full charge would take. Android phones have had this feature for years, so Apple’s a bit late. But better late than never. It helps you make quicker decisions: Should I leave now or wait five more minutes? Is this charger fast enough, or should I consider a different one?

It’s especially helpful for people who switch between different charging methods throughout the day. You’ll know when your iPhone is on a slow 5W charger and when it’s getting fast-charged.

Bonus Battery Upgrades in iOS 26

Apple has added more intelligent battery tools in iOS 26 to support longer iPhone usage and better energy management:

1. Adaptive Power Mode

It works in conjunction with Low Power Mode and adjusts performance according to your phone’s usage. If your battery usage spikes, it will slightly reduce performance or dim your screen to stretch out your charge.

Read more about what Adaptive Power is and how it works.

2. Improved Battery Graphs

Now, your iPhone offers deeper insight into your battery trends with updated charts. These graphs show your average power consumption throughout the day and week. It may show messages like “You’re using more battery today than usual.” Plus, if an app is draining your battery faster than usual, iOS 26 will try to warn you.

Charging Smarter with iOS 26

The new charging estimate feature isn’t flashy, but it’s something iPhone users will quickly grow to appreciate. It’s practical, it saves time, and it brings Apple one step closer to the small conveniences Android users have had for years.

Whether you’re running out the door or managing your battery more effectively, this minor update makes charging a bit more predictable, finally.

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