Apple's latest iOS 16.1 update brings battery percentage feature to more iPhones

Apple has started rolling out an iOS 16.1 beta update for public testers, days after releasing the stable iOS 16 version to all iPhone users. The new update carries some fixes, but most importantly, it includes the battery percentage indicator for all iPhones now. At release, iOS 16 re-introduced a battery status indicator option that was removed following the launch of the iPhone X in 2018. Apple removed this option since the notch took up a lot of space, and instead, users were forced to pull down the notification centre to check the battery level.

Following the iOS 16 update, the battery percentage returned to newer iPhones, though it remained unavailable on iPhone XR, iPhone 11, the iPhone 12 mini, and the iPhone 13 mini. The latest beta update brings the option to these iPhones, and we can expect the feature to be available in the stable version, as well.

Meanwhile, if you don't like the battery percentage, there's an option to disable it. For that, go to Settings > Battery > turn on and off battery percentage. The official changelog highlights that the beta update may cause some issues with the Home app. Apple has also offered some workaround on its official changelog website.

Otherwise, iOS 16 is available to all users with iPhone 8 and above. To check its availability, go to Settings > General > Software update. The latest iteration of iOS brings loads of features to iPhones. The key highlight is the refreshed lock screen. Users can now seamlessly change lock screen wallpaper, add widgets on the lock screen, and even change the font. There are some privacy-centric features like Lockdown Mode to ensure protection against spyware like Pegasus. The iPhone 13 series is getting an improved cinematic mode, and old iPhones are getting a refreshed camera UI (minor). Readers can check out the top features here.