Owners of the iPhone 12 series have stumbled upon a pleasant surprise following the iOS 17.4 update—an unexpected increase in charging speed, albeit still not reaching the full potential allowed by the newer Qi2 standard. When Apple introduced its MagSafe technology alongside the iPhone 12 in 2020, it was seen as a direct competitor to the existing Qi charging standard. Since then, the Qi2 standard has been developed, aligning more closely with MagSafe's capabilities, though Apple has maintained a cap on the maximum charging speed for its devices.
MagSafe technology supports charging speeds up to 15W for devices using Apple-certified chargers, with non-Apple chargers traditionally limited to 7.5W. This limitation has persisted despite Apple's contribution of MagSafe technology to the Qi2 standard and the adoption of Qi2 in the iPhone 15 series. However, older iPhone models have not been afforded the same charging capabilities—until now.
Recent tests conducted by Macworld reveal that the iPhone 12, post-iOS 17.4 update, can charge at speeds surpassing the previous Qi limitations. This improvement was noted not just with Apple's own MagSafe chargers but also with non-Apple Qi2 certified chargers. For example, the iPhone 12 Pro Max achieved a 30% charge in 38 minutes using an Apple MagSafe Charger and just 33 minutes with an Anker Qi2 MagGi Wireless Charger. Similarly, a regular iPhone 12 reached the 30% mark in about 20 minutes with both types of chargers.
This development indicates a step forward in charging efficiency for older iPhone models, albeit with some thermal considerations that might affect charging speed over longer periods. Nonetheless, for iPhone 12 owners, the iOS 17.4 update has unlocked a faster, more efficient charging experience, bridging the gap between old and new standards.
