Earlier this month, Apple announced the launch of its new iOS 18 operating system which comes packed with useful new features such as improved customisation, a refreshed Photos app, more interactive messaging and a built-in password manager that keeps all of your precious codes safe.
It’s a blockbuster free update that will be arriving on devices later this year and it could also be well worth downloading if your battery is constantly running flat. As spotted by a user on Reddit and picked up by MacRumors, it seems Apple is adding a neat little feature when things die.
The US technology giant already offers a small amount of power in reserve which keeps the Find My function working for a few hours after the screen goes blank. That means if you lose your device and it runs dry you should get a chance to track it back down again.
However, this smart function looks like it is now being improved. In iOS 18 along with the Find My still working, a clock also now appears on the screen even if you can’t physically switch the phone back on.
This could be really useful if you are out late and need to catch your last train home or your iPhone drains during the night and you want to know if it's time to get up.
The Apple Watch has been able to show the time after the battery runs flat for some time and it’s nice to see this update could now be coming to some iPhones.
It’s currently unclear which models will feature the mini clock but more details should become available nearer to the iOS 18 launch - which we expect will take place in September.
Compatible iPhones with iOS 18
iPhone 15 • iPhone 15 Plus • iPhone 15 Pro • iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 • iPhone 14 Plus • iPhone 14 Pro • iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 • iPhone 13 mini • iPhone 13 Pro • iPhone 13 Pro Max • iPhone 12 • iPhone 12 mini • iPhone 12 Pro • iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11 • iPhone 11 Pro • iPhone 11 Pro Max • iPhone XS • iPhone XS Max • iPhone XR • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Although iOS 18 won't officially launch until the autumn you will be able to get it on your device before then thanks to a test version coming from Apple. Full details about the iOS 18 Public Beta can be found here.
“We are thrilled to introduce iOS 18. It is a huge release with incredible features, including new levels of customization and capability, a redesigned Photos app, and powerful ways to stay connected with Messages. There are so many benefits for everyone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “This release also marks the beginning of a tremendously exciting new era of personal intelligence with Apple Intelligence delivering intuitive, powerful, and instantly useful experiences that will transform the iPhone experience, all with privacy at the core. We can’t wait for users to experience it.”