Apple finally brings support for faster wireless charging in iPhone 12

Apple finally brings support for faster wireless charging in iPhone 12

iPhone 12 users can now finally charge their smartphones with support for faster wireless charging. Though not officially announced by Apple, the latest iOS 17.4 update appears to have unlocked hidden support for Qi2, the next-generation wireless charging technology. This means that your iPhone 12 can now potentially achieve faster charging speeds of up to 15W with compatible Qi2 chargers.

According to a report by Macworld, with the latest iOS 17.4 release, Apple has finally integrated support for 15W wireless charging with Qi2. Developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), Qi2 serves as the successor to the current Qi wireless charging standard. It boasts improved efficiency and magnetic alignment features, drawing inspiration from Apple’s MagSafe technology. Notably, Apple is a leading member of the WPC and has played a key role in shaping the design of Qi2.

But how will this new wireless update benefit iPhone 12 users? Until now, iPhone 12 users were limited to 7.5W charging speeds with standard Qi chargers and up to 15W with Apple-certified MagSafe chargers. However, tests conducted by Macworld suggest that iOS 17.4 enables the iPhone 12 to function with non-MagSafe Qi2 chargers at the full 15W speed. This aligns the iPhone 12 with the faster charging capabilities of the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 models.

Notably, while the iPhone 13 and 14 received official Qi2 support through iOS 17.2, Apple has not made any announcements regarding the iPhone 12. This might be due to the fact that the wireless charging hardware of the iPhone 12 predates the finalisation of the Qi2 standard.

Nevertheless, if you own an iPhone 12 and a Qi2 charger, you can potentially experience faster wireless charging. However, it’s important to note that not all Qi2 chargers are created equal.

Meanwhile, as for other updates in iOS 17.4, Apple has introduced a comprehensive Battery Health section within the Settings app, offering detailed insights into your phone’s battery life, such as cycle count and maximum capacity. This enhancement marks a significant improvement over the previous iteration, which only displayed battery health as a percentage.

The emoji keyboard has also been expanded, featuring fresh emojis like a mushroom, a phoenix, and shaking head emojis to signify “yes” and “no,” enriching user communication.

Moreover, Apple Podcasts have been revamped with the addition of transcripts in multiple languages—English, Spanish, French, and German—enabling users to read along with the audio. This feature boasts full-text reading, search functions, and compatibility with accessibility options like Text Size and VoiceOver.

Users can now conveniently add songs they discover on Podcasts to their Apple Music playlists. Siri has been upgraded to announce messages in various languages, and Stolen Device Protection has been fortified for enhanced security.

Significant changes have been made for EU users to align with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), granting them the autonomy to use alternative app stores and payment methods. They can now choose their preferred web browser, with support for third-party browser engines and NFC, facilitating contactless payments via third-party apps and banks across the EEA. These updates reflect Apple’s dedication to adhering to regulations while focusing on user choice and ease of use.