Apple’s Clean Energy Charging feature, introduced in iOS 16.1, represents a thoughtful step towards sustainability by allowing iPhones to charge only when connected to clean energy sources like solar or wind. Activated by default on devices like the iPhone 14 or upon updating to iOS 16.1, this feature works in the background to help reduce your carbon footprint. When plugged in, your iPhone downloads a forecast of carbon emissions based on your location to optimize charging times for when cleaner energy production is high.
To enable this feature, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, ensure Location Services and System Customization are on, and turn on Significant Locations. Then, navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and toggle on Clean Energy Charging. This function only activates at frequent locations such as home or work and is currently exclusive to the U.S. For immediate charging needs, override the feature by long-pressing the notification and selecting ‘Charge Now’.
The distinction between Clean Energy Charging and Optimized Battery Charging lies in their goals: the former targets environmental impact while the latter aims to extend battery lifespan by limiting charging past 80% until needed. If you wish to disable Clean Energy Charging, you can do so via the Settings app under the Battery section.
In summary, Clean Energy Charging is an eco-friendly initiative by Apple to promote greener energy usage, working alongside Optimized Battery Charging to learn and adapt to your charging habits while offering an option to override for convenience.
Since 2016, Usman has flourished as an independent tech journalist, reveling in the evaluation of diverse tech gadgets, with a particular fondness for charging technology to ascertain product performance. Besides his journalistic endeavors, he helms the Charger Harbor YouTube channel, where he extends his tech insights to a broader audience.