Apple improved MagSafe wireless charging in the new iPhone 16 models by increasing the maximum charging capacity. It’s a considerable jump: the handsets can charge up to 66% faster.
Wireless charging is now as fast as plugging in a cable…with the right equipment.
Apple improves MagSafe with the feature everyone wants: More speed
MagSafe wireless charging has always been convenient, but it’s also been slower than plugging a cable into the iPhone. During Monday’s “It’s Glowtime” event, Apple fixed that. MagSafe is now as fast as a cable.
A newly launched Apple MagSafe charger ($39) can send an iPhone 16 up to 25W when paired with a 30W power adapter. It can give the handset a 50% battery charge in around 30 minutes, according to Apple.
And the specifications page for the iPhone 16 says that plugging in a 20W USB-C cable charges the handset 50% in about 30 minutes. 20W is the maximum the iPhone 15 series, and it’s apparently the same for the new models.
So whether MagSafe or USB-C, the maximum charging speed for the latest iPhone models is the same: half a charge in half an hour.
Not so fast
While an improvement in MagSafe charging speed is welcome, don’t overlook the limitations. 25W charging is available only on the four iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro variants, and only with a new MagSafe charging puck that Apple introduced Monday. With any other iPhone, the puck tops out at 15W. And the iPhone 16 models can only receive a maximum of 15W from Apple’s earlier MagSafe pucks and other accessories.
Plus, so far there’s been no word of Apple allowing third-party accessory makers to use its faster version of MagSafe.
Still, those buying Apple’s newest handsets might also be in the market for a new charging puck, too. Especially if they’re often in a hurry about juicing up their iPhone.
All the same advantages
For anyone who stuck with charging cables and avoided wireless charging, Apple builds magnets around a wireless charging coil in the back of recent iPhone models. There’s a matching set in MagSafe chargers, so handset and charger automatically align themselves and stay together.
Apple’s puck is the most basic version. The magnets are strong enough to allow charging mats to be built into stands and other accessories.
