Apple has introduced its fastest-ever MagSafe Charger, elevating wireless charging speeds to up to 25W with the latest Qi2 standard. This advancement positions Apple ahead of top competitors like Samsung and Google, whose wireless charging speeds max out at 15W and 15W-23W respectively.
The new MagSafe Charger is available for purchase starting at $39 for a 1-meter cord and $49 for a 2-meter option. This enhanced charging puck is designed to power up iPhones from the iPhone 8 onwards, though the 25W speed is exclusive to the latest iPhone 16 lineup. For the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, users can achieve up to 50% battery in approximately 30 minutes with a 30W USB-C Power Adapter. Older models like the iPhone 12 through iPhone 15 can still benefit from faster wireless charging, though at a maximum of 15W. The iPhone 8 and later models will charge at 7.5W using standard Qi charging.
Additionally, Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16 series, showcasing significant upgrades in battery capacity and charging speeds. The new models are equipped with larger batteries and more efficient A18 and A18 Pro chipsets, built using TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process. This new architecture improves power efficiency and contributes to the longer battery life seen in the iPhone 16 lineup. While Apple has not disclosed specific battery capacities, it has highlighted extended battery life across different scenarios compared to previous models.
The charging capabilities of the iPhone 16 series are particularly noteworthy. Apple has increased MagSafe wireless charging speeds to 25W, a substantial 40% improvement over the previous 15W limit. This means users can achieve a 50% charge in just 30 minutes, whether using MagSafe or wired USB-C charging with the appropriate adapters. The new MagSafe Charger also supports Qi2 wireless charging at up to 15W and maintains 4.5W reverse wireless charging for compatible devices.
The updated MagSafe Charger is compatible with all iPhones from the iPhone 8 onwards, as well as any Qi2 device. However, to take full advantage of the 25W wireless charging speed, users will need a 30W USB-C power adapter, which is sold separately. Despite the improved charging speeds, Apple has continued its trend of not including power adapters with new iPhone purchases, requiring users to buy them separately.
