In a significant move towards sustainability, Apple has announced plans to expand its Clean Energy Charging feature to iPhone and iPad demo units displayed in its retail stores across the United States. This revelation came as part of the companys annual Environmental Progress Report, which was released today in anticipation of Earth Day, celebrated on April 22.

Originally introduced in the U.S. in 2022 as part of the iOS 16.1 update, the optional Clean Energy Charging feature empowers iPhone users to optimize their charging schedules. By intelligently determining the times of day when the electric grid is sourcing cleaner energy, the feature aims to reduce users' carbon footprints. Apple claims that by selectively charging during periods of lower carbon-emission electricity, users can make a positive impact on the environment.

According to a detailed document shared by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, Apple will enable the Clean Energy Charging feature by default on all demo units of iPhone and iPad in U.S. retail locations. This strategic decision not only showcases Apple's commitment to sustainability but also ensures that these devices maintain a lower carbon footprint while on display. To guarantee that these demo units are always operational and ready for customer interaction, Apple has stated that the devices will immediately resume charging if their battery charge drops below 50%.

For standard users, Clean Energy Charging is also enabled by default on devices running iOS 16.1 and later. Users can easily manage this feature through the Settings app, navigating to Battery Battery Health & Charging. However, it is important to note that this feature is currently available only in the contiguous United States, limiting its reach for now.

While the exact timeline for the implementation of Clean Energy Charging on demo units has not been disclosed, this initiative is part of a broader series of environmental projects that Apple has announced recently, demonstrating its dedication to reducing its ecological impact.

For those interested in learning more about the Clean Energy Charging feature, Apple has made a support document available that provides additional details and insights.