Apple introduced the Power Reserve mode with iOS 12. This feature has remained under the radar as it has been useful to a handful of users. With iOS 14, the Power Reserve feature is getting a bit of attention, which is obviously long overdue. In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about the Power Reserve and why it’s important.
What is Power Reserve Mode?
Power Reserve Mode is a special feature in iOS that allows you to access certain functions of your iPhone even when your battery is dead. This means that even if your iPhone is turned off, you can still use it for some important functions. Power Reserve Mode lasts up to 5 hours after your iPhone is turned off.
What is the Use of Power Reserve Mode?
Apple wants to replace everything in your pocket with your iPhone. An ordinary person carries his phone, wallet, car keys and ID cards in his pocket. Apple envisions a future where your iPhone is all you have to carry. It all started with the launch of Apple Pay. At least in countries where Apple Pay is widely supported, such as the US, users no longer need to carry a wallet with them.
Then the company contacted universities and public transit authorities to allow you to save your ID cards and pass on your iPhone. Then came the integration of smart locks with HomeKit security. And now, with the release of iOS 14 and the new “Car Key” feature, Apple is finally tackling car keys, the last item left in your pocket.
However, replacing things like car keys and transit passes with your iPhone isn’t as easy as it seems. For example, what if your iPhone runs out of juice and turns off? How will you unlock your car? You can’t just leave him on the road, can you?
To solve this exact problem, Apple introduced Power Reserve mode with iOS 12 where you can access these basic functions even when your iPhone is turned off. After your iPhone’s battery dies, you can use your transit pass, student ID and unlock your car for up to 5 hours.
How Does Power Reserve Mode Work?
It uses the “Express Card” feature with NFC tags. quick card It’s a feature that lets you use cards from Apple Wallet without authenticating using Face ID or Touch ID. Because it doesn’t require authentication, in power reserve mode, simply touching your iPhone to a payment NFC tag will allow the payment to take place. Similarly, when you touch your iPhone to your car, it will unlock.
Why Is Power Reserve Mode Reviving in iOS 14?
Although the power reserve mode has been around since iOS 12, it gets special attention in iOS 14. This is because before iOS 14 the power reserve was only used for pass and university ID cards. Even in these cases, Apple has connected with only a few partners worldwide. So, it wasn’t a ubiquitous feature that everyone used.
With the introduction of “Car Key” in iOS 14, this feature now has the potential to be used by a large population of the world. Plus, being locked out of your car is a much scarier proposition. Therefore, to calm the nerves of its users, Apple has prominently featured this wonderful feature of the iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Reserve Mode
Q. Which iPhones support Power Reserve mode?
According to Apple support, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and higher iPhone models support power reserve mode. This means that every iPhone released after the iPhone X supports this feature, including the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. However, we do not know if the iPhone SE 2 has this feature.
Q. How do I exit Power Reserve?
You do not need to manually enable or disable the power reserve feature. It automatically turns on when your iPhone’s battery runs out and turns off when you plug your iPhone into charge.
Q. How long will my device last on Power Reserve?
According to Apple, your iPhone will last up to 5 hours after its battery dies.
Q. How can I authenticate with my biometrics in Power Reserve?
To use a card in power reserve mode, you will need to add it as an “Express Card”. When you do, it doesn’t require Face ID or Touch ID authentication to use it.
Power Reserve Will Get You Home Even When Your iPhone Dies
I hope this article was able to clear all your doubts about the power reserve mode in iOS 14. I think this is a useful feature and will allow you to leave your car keys at home without fear. If you liked this article, you will also enjoy articles on other iOS 14 hidden features:
- What is an App Library and How to Use it in iOS 14
- Customize Tap Back Accessibility in iOS 14
- Download New iOS 14 Wallpapers
Click the links to read them and stay tuned to Beebom for more such articles. Also, if you’re running the developer beta of iOS 14, mention any new features you find in the comments below.