A new feature of iOS 16 will allow iPhones to be charged using “Clean Energy”

An official Apple press release states that in a future update to iOS 16, Apple will offer the "Clean Energy Charging" option to iPhone users in the United States. Using clean energy charging and reducing the grid's charging time by using clean energy is Apple's goal for reducing the carbon footprint of the iPhone. In addition, this is the first time Apple has mentioned clean energy charging.

 

 

According to 9To5Mac, iOS 16 introduces a new daemon that collects carbon emissions data from local load balancing agencies (such as the U.S. EIA) based on the location of the device. Furthermore, iOS downloads carbon emissions projections from the server. By combining all of this data, the system will be able to determine when clean energy charging is to begin.

 

Thus, iOS 16 will wait to charge iPhone when the grid is less constrained and more clean energy capacity is available. This feature seems to be timely in light of recent grid stress in places such as Texas and California.

 

There are also a number of other features in iOS 16 that are not yet available and will be available in future updates, including iCloud shared photo libraries, Live Events, and Matter smart home support.

 

Further, Apple no longer includes a charging head with iPhone 12 and has announced a number of environmental initiatives with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.