Useful new iPhone feature for when your battery dies coming in iOS18 update

Apple has shared a slew of new updates and functions coming to the iPhone with its iOS18 update – including a cool new feature that will still allow you to check the time even after your battery has died. 

Until now, if your iPhone battery dies while you’re out and about – a fairly common occurrence for me, to be honest – you’re phone will usually end up in ‘power reserve’. 

This incredibly handy feature means that, even if you don’t have enough juice to actually turn on your phone, it keeps a little bit in the bank to allow you to use some functions for up to five hours, including Find My iPhone and Apple Wallet, as long as your cards are set up in ‘Express Modes’. 

READ MORE! Further details of the huge new AI upgrades in iOS18 have leaked

Some features still work even when the iPhone battery is dead

Apple explains: “You may be able to use your Express Mode cards, passes, and keys, even when your iPhone needs to be charged.

“Power reserve works for up to five hours with some cards, passes, and keys that have Express Mode turned on.

“To check the cards, passes, and keys available for use with power reserve, press the side button or the Home button when your iPhone needs to be charged.

“However, doing this often may significantly reduce the power reserve. If you turn off your iPhone, this feature isn’t available.”

You won’t need to worry about not knowing the time

While it’s previously been possible to carry out a handful of important functions, while having a dead battery, your phone’s clock was never one of them.

That’s all set to change with the iOS18 update, as the small clock displaying the time will remain in the corner even after your battery has drained. Smart.

The time will be shown in the same spot it would be if your iPhone was switched on and could prove very useful if you’re phone has conked out and you’ve got somewhere to be and no idea of the time. 

The new feature was shared by an iPhone user on Reddit, who – quite rightly – pointed out: “You can now see the time even after the phone is dead or charging.”

Apple has previously shared a couple of simple things you can do to help boost your battery life. 

Alongside popping your phone into Low Power Mode until you find a charger, you can also prolong your battery by adjusting the brightness of your screen and switching it to Wi-Fi, which uses less power than a mobile network. 

An ex-Apple employee has also shared some top tips to make your iPhone’s battery last longer and prolong its life.

Ultimately, the best one is this – don’t spend all day on your phone.