With the launch of the iPhone 12, Apple has doubled the wireless charging power to 15 watts, but there’s a catch: only Apple-branded MagSafe chargers operate at full power. Now, users are getting a surprise update. The latest iOS 17.4 version now also allows third-party Qi2 chargers to charge at a maximum rated power of 15 watts, Mike world the report said.
Apple introduced Qi2 15-watt wireless charging support for iPhone 13 and 14 in iOS 17.2, and the iPhone 15 supports the standard from the beginning. In fact, it’s based on Apple’s MagSafe technology, and Apple is a “steering member” and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).
However, when the iPhone 12 launched in October 2020, Qi2 didn’t exist yet, and the WPC’s original Qi standard was limited to 7.5 watts. Since the iPhone 12 uses MagSafe, it will apparently be able to support Qi2 and its higher maximum charging capabilities.
Apple has yet to officially comment on the change. However, Mike world Tested the iPhone 12 using Qi2 devices and found that they matched the charging speeds of the official MagSafe charger.
Charger maker Belkin also said its Qi2 chargers are “fully certified to provide up to 15 watts of fast wireless charging for Qi2-enabled devices,” while referring any additional questions to Apple. With this change, all MagSafe iPhones now support Qi2 charging.
Apple’s move to support Qi2 in its iPhone lineup is a bit surprising, given Apple’s tendency to use in-house proprietary solutions. This may be done to fend off regulators, as the European Union has forced it to switch to USB-C charging to avoid the waste of multiple standards.
