iOS 26 finally adds the charging feature Android users have had for years

iOS 26 is bringing up a useful battery feature to iPhones that you have known for a long time if you’ve had an Android phone. 

iOS 26 was just revealed by Apple during its WWDC 2025 keynote. The new operating system features a complete redesign which looks spectacular and is expected to come in the fall. Alongside the new design and the refinements, iOS 26 brings a helpful battery feature to your iPhone (and yep, Android users saw that one coming!) 

With iOS 26, you’ll finally know how long it will take for your battery to charge. The feature works with both wired and wireless charging. The new option will allow you to better optimize your charging practices, and will also give you an idea of how to plan your next steps for the day if you plug in your phone in a hurry (which is me, a lot of times). 

Meanwhile, the feature will also allow you to determine how fast a charger is charging your iPhone. You are able to do so by the estimated time for full charge. Basically, if you’re charging your iPhone with a slow connection or a Qi-based charger that’s limited to 5W, the setting will also inform you that you’re connected to a slow charger. The new information will be displayed in the Battery section of the Settings app. Right now, the Cupertino tech giant has not added a new widget for the feature; however, it’s likely such a widget will come in the future, as it will be very useful. On top of that, you’ll be able to see the estimated time remaining for charging on the Lock Screen. 

MacBooks are currently showing an estimate of how much time you have until your battery is fully charged. This feature will be super useful on an iPhone, in my opinion, so I’m glad it’s getting added with iOS 26. 

Right now, iOS 26 is in its developer beta. The update will be rolled out to the public in the fall, after the announcement of the new iPhone 17 series. 

iOS 26 is a big update. Its biggest is the complete redesign, using transparent elements Apple calls “Liquid Glass”, which is spread throughout the operating system. The Camera app is also getting a redesign, and there are improvements to the Phone app, Messages, Apple Music, and Apple Intelligence.

Meanwhile, Android phones have had an estimate for how long it will take until a full charge for quite a while now, so Apple is a little bit late to the party here. Nevertheless, the feature is super useful anyway, so I’m glad it’s coming.