IPhones Lack Android-Style Charging Estimates, Inspiring A DIY Solution

Table of Contents

Introduction

Charging an iPhone can sometimes feel like a guessing game when it comes to how long it will take to reach full capacity. Unlike many Android devices, which provide an estimated charging time on their lock screens, iPhones lack this useful feature. Fortunately, a proactive Reddit user named AlxR25 found a creative way to fill this gap by developing an iOS shortcut that approximates the charging time based on the current battery percentage. In this article, we will explore this shortcut, how it works, and the ongoing challenges with charging time estimation on iPhones.

The Missing Feature of Estimated Charging Time

Apple and Google have been taking cues from each other as both Android and iOS have matured to meet user demands. While iOS 18 introduced home screen customizations inspired by Android, one glaring omission remains—the estimated charging time for iPhones. Currently, this feature has been well-established in Android devices. For instance, Google’s Pixel series displays the estimated charging time directly on the lock screen, providing users with immediate feedback on their battery status.

In the absence of this feature on iPhones, AlxR25 decided to create a rudimentary solution using the Shortcuts app. Their shortcut provides a way to calculate an estimated charging time, filling a void that many users have found frustrating.

How the Shortcut Works

The shortcut developed by AlxR25 utilizes a simple formula to calculate the estimated charging time. Here’s how it functions step-by-step:

Battery Percentage: The shortcut collects the current battery percentage of the iPhone.
Calculation: It subtracts this battery percentage from 100 to find out how much percentage is left to charge.
Assumed Charge Time: The remaining percentage is then divided by 1.5. This number was chosen because the creator observed that their iPhone charged one percent every 1.5 minutes on average during various testing scenarios.
Display: The final result is displayed in minutes as an estimate of how long it will take for the phone to reach full charge.

Setting Up the Shortcut

To use this shortcut, you need to download it and add it to your iPhone. Here’s a simple guide to do that:

Download the Shortcut: Click on the provided link to download the shortcut.
Add the Shortcut: When prompted, tap "Add Shortcut" to integrate it into your device.
Automation Feature: Set up the shortcut to run automatically whenever you connect your iPhone to a charger. This way, you will receive an estimated charging time notification as soon as you plug in.

Challenges with Charging Time Estimates

While the shortcut offers a basic solution, it is important to underline its limitations. Charging times can vary significantly based on several factors:

Charger Type: The wattage of the charger being used affects how quickly the iPhone charges.
Current Battery Health: Older batteries may not hold a charge as efficiently as newer ones.
Ambient Temperature: Extreme temperatures can slow down charging speeds.
Adaptive Features: iPhones come with adaptive charging features that may alter the expected charging time.

Charging time is also not linear; the last 10% of charging typically takes longer than the first 90%, as the charging slows down to protect the battery’s health.

Inadequate Information on iPhones

One of the frustrations for iPhone users is the lack of charging information readily available on the interface. Unlike Android devices, which often display a variety of charging indicators, iPhones do not show whether the device is fast or slow charging unless you look into the Settings under the Battery section. Additionally, iPhones do not provide notifications when the battery reaches 100%.

Conclusion

The fact that iOS still lacks a reliable estimated charging time feature is puzzling given how long Android phones have featured this essential information. Users who rely on their iPhones for daily tasks can benefit significantly from knowing their charging status at a glance. Until Apple improves this functionality, the shortcut developed by AlxR25 serves as a useful but approximate measure for users seeking to understand their iPhone’s charging duration better.

For those who find themselves frustrated with the current charging status available on their iPhones, exploring this shortcut might provide a temporary solution while highlighting the need for enhancement in future iOS updates. As both operating systems continue to evolve, we can only hope that Apple takes note of valuable user feedback and looks to improve its battery management features.