EnergyKit: iPhone apps should learn to use green electricity
Apple has introduced a framework that provides current power grid data to apps. It uses a feature from Apple Home, but will initially only run in the USA.
EnergyKit passes on electricity data: A more sustainable smart home.
(Image: Apple)
The electricity grid supplies a different mix of electricity at different times. Depending on the weather or capacity utilization, it can sometimes be green energy from wind, solar or hydropower, but sometimes it can be dirty electricity from coal and natural gas. In the USA, Apple has therefore already integrated a function into Apple Home with iOS 16 that provides users with forecasts for the local power grid: the so-called Grid Forecast. The aim is for users to charge their devices with the most climate-friendly energy possible. With the new EnergyKit framework, this type of power grid monitoring is now also available directly in developer apps.
Grid forecast data from Apple directly in apps
As Apple announced at the WWDC 2025 developer conference, developers will be able to help their users “optimize power usage” for the first time. This could help people “run their home appliances or charge electric vehicles when electricity is cleaner and cheaper”, writes Apple. EnergyKit can also be used to generate individual charging calendars.
Videos by heise
This is the first time Apple has gone beyond the previous power grid forecasts, which were previously only available in the Home application, which is part of iOS. As a first step, EnergyKit will be able to be integrated into apps for controlling electric car charging infrastructure and smart thermostats (for heating and cooling with electricity). To achieve this, the user specifies their location so that Apple can send its grid forecast data to the app. The app then shows how green the current energy supply is and can automatically make adjustments if necessary.
Europe not included initially
It is not yet clear if and when Apple will bring the grid forecast to Europe. The data is also initially only a forecast, so it does not necessarily have to match the current real conditions. Nevertheless, Apple is convinced that customers will be able to act in a more climate-friendly way.
In addition to the introduction of EnergyKit for apps, energy management in the Home app itself will also be improved so that users can react more quickly if necessary. With iOS 26, it will be possible to display the average power consumption and the current electricity price phase, provided that data sources are available.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(bsc)
