Apple’s iOS 19 could bring this important AI-powered battery feature for iPhones

Apple iPhone

Apple is preparing to launch iOS 19 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next month, and one of its headline features could be a welcome upgrade for iPhone users: better battery life, thanks to Apple Intelligence.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is developing a new AI-powered battery management feature that will debut with iOS 19, expected in September. The system will dynamically optimize battery usage based on each user’s habits—lowering power draw from specific apps and services when possible.

This smart power mode will be part of Apple’s broader Apple Intelligence initiative, which leans on on-device data and machine learning to deliver personalised performance enhancements. As part of the feature, users will also get a new lock screen indicator showing estimated charging times—providing more transparency on how quickly their phone will be ready.

While the feature will roll out to all compatible AI-enabled iPhones, Apple’s motivation appears to be the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, a slimmer model expected to debut this fall. Its thinner design will leave less room for battery capacity, making intelligent energy optimization essential.

The iPhone 17 Air will sit alongside the standard and Pro models in the lineup, but early reports suggest its battery life could be notably shorter. iOS 19’s new battery tech is being positioned as a way to compensate for that, though all supported iPhones will benefit from the update.

If accurate, this would mark one of the first tangible, everyday use cases for Apple’s AI efforts in iOS 19—offering practical gains without relying on flashy gimmicks. For users who’ve long wished for smarter battery conservation, this might be one of the most impactful updates yet.