In Summary
- With the launch of the iPhone X and the infamous notch, Apple discarded the battery percentage indicator on newer iPhones.
- The elimination led to some discomfort among users as they needed to go through an additional step to see the current battery percentage.
- Apple has finally heard users and re-introduced the battery percentage in the status bar. This feature comes with the iOS 16 Beta 5 update.
- We have compiled a list of the supported devices and a detailed guide on enabling the battery percentage in the status bar for iPhones.
Apple considerably revamped its smartphone design with the launch of the iPhone X. They removed the bezels (and Touch ID) but introduced a notch housing the Face ID. As this was a significant re-design, Apple also refreshed the software. The Cupertino tech giant introduced several new features like navigation gestures and support for full-screen apps.
But the company also eliminated a few features to accommodate the new form factor. For example, the battery percentage indicator was discarded from the status bar starting with iPhone X. The status bar only consisted of a visual battery indicator, and users would need to swipe down the control panel to see a definite battery percentage. Understandably, users were upset.
Fortunately, Apple has finally reintroduced the battery percentage in the status bar with iOS 16.
For those unaware, iOS 16 is the latest version of the OS that powers the iPhone. iOS 16 is currently in developer beta and has not been rolled out to the general public. Users first spotted the option to enable battery percentage in the status bar in iOS 16 beta 5. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the battery percentage feature introduced in iOS 16 Beta 5.
Table of Contents
What is iPhone Battery Percentage in Status Bar feature?
Until now, users of notched iPhones (iPhone X, XS, 11, 12, and 13 series) had to swipe down to see their current battery percentage levels. This introduced an unnecessary step to view something as basic as battery percentage. Older iPhones had enough space to accommodate a separate percentage indicator. But the inclusion of Face ID sensors in the notch botched the status bar’s real estate.
Starting from the iOS 16 Beta 5 update, even (supported) notched iPhones can now display the battery percentage in the status bar. The percentage is integrated within the visual battery indicator. Like the traditional battery icon, the new indicator is dynamic and changes colors based on the battery level.
Which iPhones support Battery Percentage in Status Bar?
The iOS 16 Beta 5 is being rolled out to numerous iPhones, but the battery percentage feature is unavailable on some of them. Devices like the iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 13 Mini, and iPhone 11 haven’t received the option to turn on battery percentage. Their omission from the list can be attributed to their relatively smaller footprint. Here’s a detailed list of devices that support the battery percentage in the status bar feature as of iOS 16 Beta 5:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone X
We never know. The unsupported devices may get this feature in a later update. As the update is still in the beta stages, it is subject to change by the time a stable release occurs.
What are the other requirements for this feature?
As mentioned earlier, this feature is only available on the iOS 16 Beta 5. Therefore, you will need to switch to the beta channel if you want to try this feature. However, we wouldn’t recommend you to switch to beta updates on your daily driver. If you are already on iOS 16, please update to the latest version.
How to Enable Battery Percentage in Status Bar on a Supported iPhone?
Users can enable the battery percentage from the settings app on a supported iPhone. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Battery.
3. Click on the Battery Percentage toggle.
After enabling this feature, the battery percentage will be visible in the battery indicator on the status bar. You can turn it off by clicking on the battery percentage toggle.
We feel this is a good approach to the issue. Apple finally listened to its users and solved the battery percentage in the status bar problem. Did you like this implementation? Let us know in the comments section.
FAQs about iPhone Battery Percentage Indicator
When will I get the iOS 16 stable update on my iPhone?
iOS 16 is currently in the developer beta phase. Apple usually announces the stable rollout in September at the iPhone keynote. If you have an iOS 16 eligible device, you can expect the stable update via an OTA by mid-September.
Will my iPhone get iOS 16?
Apple is known for supporting its iPhone for an extended period. iOS 16 is no different; iPhones as old as the iPhone 8 are receiving iOS 16. Here's a detailed list of the iOS 16 compatible devices.
What are the additional features in iOS 16?
iOS 16 packs many new features like a shared photo library, revamped focus mode, and changes to Apple Car Play, and Apple Maps, among others. The lock screen received the most significant changes as Apple completely overhauled the iOS lock screen with new features like widgets. You can find our detailed coverage on the same here.