Eco-friendly ‘Clean Energy’ mode on iPhone causes fear over slow charging
A new ‘clean energy’ mode on iPhone has created a stir on social media – with users fearing that their iPhones aren’t charging as quickly.
The mode was introduced as part of iOS 16.1, and is designed to make the iPhone select clean energy when available based on data from the electricity grid.
Apple says, "When Clean Energy Charging is enabled and you connect your iPhone to a charger, your iPhone gets a forecast of the carbon emissions in your local energy grid and uses it to charge your iPhone during times of cleaner energy production."
The mode sparked a flurry of complaints from users on social media, who said that their phones have been charging more slowly as a result.
If you noticed your iPhone is charging a little slower recently it may be due to a new setting Apple added in iOS 16.1 — Clean Energy Charging
With it turned on, iOS will only recharge the iPhone's battery when the electrical grid uses cleaner energy sources like solar or wind… https://t.co/r35GkgivQlpic.twitter.com/ANW3GZwYSd— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) February 26, 2023
Apple says that the feature only engages in ‘known’ locations such as your home or work locations – and engages when phones are on charge for longer periods.
Notice your iPhone charging extra slow recently?
It’s due to a new setting Apple snuck into iOS 16.1 — Clean Energy Charging
When turned on, your iPhone will only charge when the electrical grid uses clean energy sources like wind or solar
So how do we fix this 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/GB61iHgdIe— Zein (@ZeinZaioud) February 26, 2023
Apple says, "Clean Energy Charging works together with Optimised Battery Charging to learn your charging habits. Clean Energy Charging engages only where you spend the most time and regularly charge your iPhone for long periods of time, such as your home and place of work.’
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At present, the Clean Energy Charging feature is US-only, and Apple tends to roll out advanced features in the US before bringing them to other territories.
The feature can easily be switched off: to do so go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and turn off Clean Energy Charging.
"When Clean Energy Charging suspends charging, a notification on the Lock Screen says when your iPhone will be fully charged. If you need to have your iPhone fully charged sooner, touch and hold the notification and then tap Charge Now," adds Apple.
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