iPhone 16’s 25W MagSafe Charger and the Future of Qi2 Wireless Charging

Cross- and backwards compatibility with other chargers

On top of harnessing the newly unlocked 25W charging potential, the new MagSafe puck remains compatible with other devices on the market. For example, users can still use MagSafe across previous iPhone models as well as Qi2-enabled devices².

When paired with the 30W USB-C Power Adapter, MagSafe pucks have achieved 50% charge within 30 minutes for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. iPhone 12 and later models will continue to enjoy 15W of wireless charging for MagSafe when used with a 20W USB-C Power Adapter. Even older iPhone models such as the iPhone 8 and beyond can receive 7.5W of wireless charging from the MagSafe puck, ensuring that legacy device users can also benefit from the latest technology upgrades.

What MagSafe means for Qi2 wireless charging

By pushing the wireless charging threshold to 25W, MagSafe has set a new benchmark that will likely influence upcoming developments in the Qi v2.1 and v2.2 standards. Both Qi versions are expected to offer similar charging speeds within the next two years, potentially providing a more unified charging experience across devices, including both iPhones and future Qi2-compatible Android devices.

Beyond charging, MagSafe’s magnetic technology has enabled phone accessories such as cases, wallets, stands, and grips to easily attach to the iPhone, creating a new market around magnetic phone accessories. The US mobile accessories market alone is expected to grow from 21.66 billion in 2023 to 34.22 billion by 2030³.

Similarly, the Qi2 standard, which also incorporates magnetic alignment for charging, has paved the way for other manufacturers to release affordable, cross-platform wireless charging accessories. While MagSafe remains integral to Apple’s ecosystem, Qi2 is designed as a universal standard that works across various device brands, making it easier for consumers to access faster wireless charging technology regardless of their device.

Compliance Considerations for Wireless Charging in China

Manufacturers who are looking to expand globally should also take note of regulatory environments developing alongside wireless charging. On September 2024, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) introduced new radio frequency management regulations came into effect, limiting the use of certain frequency bands for mobile and portable wireless charging devices⁴ in an effort to prevent radio communication disruption with critical industries such as aviation.

The regulation, which permits frequencies between 100-148.5kHz, 6765-6795kHz, and 13553-13567KhZ, also places a cap on transmission power at 80W⁵. Since MagSafe and Qi2 currently operate at 360kHz, brands using either wireless charging standard may face restrictions on sales within China unless they adapt their technology to meet these new regulatory requirements.

Stay at the top of wireless charging developments

Wireless charging standards are expected to rapidly advance within the next few years. Instead of purchasing a new solution each time a new standard arrives, why not get our upgradable solution that scales and automates the latest Qi wireless charging tests on your behalf? Reach out at any time to learn more about how our Qi wireless charging experts can help.