How does iOS 18 differentiate between slow and fast chargers

Detection of Charger Speed

iOS 18 can identify when a connected charger is not delivering sufficient power for optimal charging speeds. When this occurs, users receive a subtle notification in the Battery settings, indicating the charger is classified as a "Slow Charger" [1][3]. The system does not specify the exact wattage threshold that defines a slow charger; however, it is known that chargers providing 7.5W or less for wired connections, or less than 10W for wireless connections, are typically considered slow [3][4].

Visual Indicators

In the updated Battery section of the Settings app, periods of slow charging are visually represented by an orange bar in the battery usage graph. This bar indicates when the device was charged with a slow charger over the past 24 hours or up to 10 days [2]. Users can tap on an information icon next to the notification for additional details, although it currently links to a non-existent support document [2].

User Benefits

The introduction of this feature serves several purposes:

- Informed Charging Choices: Users can make conscious decisions about which charger to use based on their urgency. If they need a quick charge, they might opt for a more powerful charger.
- Realistic Expectations: Knowing that a slow charger is being used helps set expectations regarding charging times [1][2].
- Potential Battery Health Improvement: While not explicitly stated, using appropriate chargers may contribute to better long-term battery health by reducing strain from excessive heat generated by faster charging [4][6].

Conclusion

Overall, iOS 18's ability to differentiate between slow and fast chargers enhances user experience by providing valuable feedback on charging habits. This feature not only informs users about their current charging conditions but also encourages better practices that could lead to improved battery longevity.

Citations:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/ios-18-warns-you-about-slow-charging-iphones-all-details/articleshow/110927978.cms
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/06/11/ios-18-slow-charger-battery-settings/
[3] https://support.apple.com/en-is/120619
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8gYl_wMIvo
[5] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ios-18s-battery-section-tells-you-if-you-used-a-slow-charger.2428933/page-2
[6] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253803801
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1ddz3p5/ios_18s_battery_section_tells_you_if_you_used_a/

What types of chargers are considered slow by iOS 18

iOS 18 identifies certain chargers as "slow" based on their output power. While Apple has not explicitly defined the wattage thresholds that classify a charger as slow, several guidelines can be inferred from user experiences and technical specifications.

Types of Slow Chargers

1. Wired Chargers:
- 5W Chargers: These are generally considered very slow for modern devices. Users have reported receiving slow charging notifications when using such chargers[1][3].
- 7.5W Chargers: Chargers providing this output are also flagged as slow, particularly since many iPhones can handle faster charging rates[5][2].
- 10W Chargers: While this is slightly better, it still falls short compared to the faster charging capabilities of newer iPhones, which can charge at rates of 20W or higher[1].

2. Wireless Chargers:
- Less than 10W: Wireless chargers that offer less than 10W, such as older Qi-certified models, are likely to be categorized as slow by iOS 18. Users have noted that even some MagSafe-compatible devices may not deliver optimal speeds if they fall below this threshold[5][4].

User Experience and Notifications

When a slow charger is detected, iOS 18 provides a notification in the Battery settings, indicating that the charger is not delivering sufficient power for optimal charging speeds. This notification is visually represented by an orange bar in the battery usage graph, contrasting with the standard green indicator for normal charging speeds[2][3].

Conclusion

In summary, chargers considered slow by iOS 18 typically include those with outputs of 7.5W or less for wired connections and under 10W for wireless connections. This feature aims to enhance user awareness and encourage the use of more efficient charging solutions to improve overall device performance and battery health.