Apple quietly upgraded the wireless charging capabilities of the iPhone 12 with the release of iOS 17.4 in early March. Despite no official announcement from Apple, it seems that iPhone 12 users can now charge their devices much faster with third-party wireless charging pads, even those not authorized by Apple. This upgrade brings iPhone 12 charging speeds in line with the iPhone 15 series, which have had this capability from the start.
The upgrade to faster wireless charging for the iPhone 12 is made possible through Qi2, the next generation of wireless charging technology developed by the Wireless Power Consortium, of which Apple is a member. This technology is based on MagSafe specifications provided by Apple, allowing for faster charging speeds on Qi2-compatible pads. With this upgrade, iPhone 12 users can now access faster charging without needing to use Apple-certified charging pads.
Macworld conducted tests with an Anker MagGo Wireless Charger pad and an iPhone 12, showing that the phone was able to charge at 15W, matching the charging speed of Apple’s own pads. This means that iPhone 12 users can now enjoy faster charging speeds at a lower cost than using Apple’s own charging pads. It is surprising that Apple did not explicitly announce this upgrade in the release notes for iOS 17.4, leaving users to discover the enhanced charging capabilities on their own.
While the upgrade to faster wireless charging is a welcome surprise for iPhone 12 users, it is important to note that not all Qi2 chargers will work with every iPhone model. For example, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini only charge up to 12W, as opposed to the 15W charging speed available on other models. However, Qi2 chargers are generally more affordable than MagSafe chargers and offer compatibility with a wider range of devices, making them a cost-effective choice for consumers.
Macworld also found that some third-party Qi2 chargers were able to charge the iPhone 12 faster than Apple’s own-branded chargers. In a test comparing the Anker Qi2 MagGo Wireless Charger with Apple’s MagSafe Charger, the Anker charger was able to charge an iPhone 12 Pro Max to 30% in five minutes faster and to 50% in six minutes faster than the Apple charger. This demonstrates that choosing a third-party Qi2 charger can offer faster charging speeds at a lower cost than using Apple-certified chargers.
Overall, the upgrade to faster wireless charging for the iPhone 12 with Qi2 technology presents users with a more affordable and efficient charging solution. While Apple has not officially confirmed this upgrade, independent tests have shown significant improvements in charging speeds with third-party Qi2 chargers. With the availability of faster and more affordable charging options, iPhone 12 users can now enjoy the convenience of wireless charging without breaking the bank.
