I’ve been working on a substantial update to Kilowatt, my app for estimating electric vehicle charging times and costs. Version 5.5 is now available, and it focuses on support for the new iOS 27 release and the new iPhone Duo. Which honestly was quite a bit of work to get out the door and, mostly, test all the new edge cases for.
This release should have better support for different screen sizes and window shapes, more accessible controls, and a lot of attention to the little things that make setting up a charge easier.
A fresh look for iOS 27
Kilowatt now makes better use of the system’s Liquid Glass navigation and controls. The goal was to make the app feel at home on the latest version of iOS while keeping the information you need—your car, charger, estimated time and cost—easy to find.
The update supports iOS 26 and later, so you don’t need iOS 27 to use it.
More room to charge
Kilowatt’s screens have been reworked to adapt more naturally to the space they’re given. On iPad, that means a better experience when using the app alongside another app or changing the size of its window.
I’ve also worked on adapting the interface for iPhone Duo, including its different screen configurations and the space around the fold. This work has been tested in Apple’s simulator; I haven’t yet been able to try it on a physical Duo. Because we’ll.. you’ve seen those prices right?
Rotating or resizing the app should also be less disruptive when you’re in the middle of setting up a charge or editing a vehicle. Your work stays with you as the layout changes.
Easier to read and use
This update includes a broad accessibility pass across the app. Controls and readings have clearer labels, and screens have been adjusted to work better with larger text, VoiceOver and right-to-left layouts.
The charging graphs and vehicle editor have received attention too, so their information and controls are easier to read and navigate in more situations.
More dependable charging setup
There are a number of smaller improvements to the everyday charging flow:
Clearer alarm feedback. If Kilowatt can’t set an alarm, it now tells you while keeping your charging timer available, with guidance on what to do next.
Better tariff entry. Prices and start fees are clearer, and the app does a better job handling invalid amounts and saved rates.
Safer vehicle editing. Changes stay in a draft until you save them, so cancelling an edit won’t leave unwanted changes behind.
Improved widgets. Charging information, artwork and navigation have been refined across the Home Screen and other widget sizes.
More polished translations. Labels and messages throughout the app have been updated, including clearer terminology for charging prices and start fees.
I hope those details make Kilowatt a nicer companion the next time you plug in. If you try the update, I’d love to hear how it works for you—especially if you use accessibility features, iPad multitasking, or iPhone Duo.