iPhone wireless charging timeline

Wireless charging has come a long way since Apple first introduced it with the iPhone 8 in 2017. What started with basic Qi compatibility has evolved into fast, magnetic charging with MagSafe, reaching up to 25W with the iPhone 16. In this guide, we walk you through the history of wireless charging across iPhone models, how Qi and MagSafe have changed the game, and what each generation supports. Whether you're considering your first wireless charger or upgrading to a newer iPhone, this timeline will help you understand what to expect.

Wireless charging on iPhone: how it started

Apple introduced wireless charging in 2017 with the launch of the iPhone 8. The move followed the broader adoption of the Qi wireless charging standard by other smartphone brands. Since then, Apple has expanded its approach, focusing on convenience, charging speed, and hardware-software integration, culminating in the introduction of MagSafe in 2020.

iPhone 8 to iPhone 11: introducing Qi charging

With the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X, Apple brought wireless charging to its users for the first time. These models supported Qi-certified chargers with charging speeds up to 7.5W, offering a cable-free experience that quickly became a daily convenience for many.

While wireless charging was slightly slower than traditional wired methods, the ease of simply placing your iPhone on a pad made it a popular feature. The iPhone XR and iPhone 11 continued this Qi support, giving users a reliable and clutter-free way to keep their devices charged throughout the day.

iPhone 12 to iPhone 15: the rise of MagSafe

In 2020, Apple launched MagSafe with the iPhone 12 lineup. It introduced a ring of magnets on the back of the iPhone, allowing compatible chargers and accessories to snap into perfect alignment. This improved both the stability and efficiency of wireless charging.

MagSafe supports up to 15W wireless charging with Apple-certified (MFi) accessories: double the power of older Qi-only iPhones. It also enabled a new ecosystem of cases, wallets, and mounts designed specifically for magnetic compatibility.

iPhone 16: wireless charging up to 25W

The iPhone 16 series reportedly supports wireless charging speeds up to 25W: making it Apple’s fastest wireless charging experience to date. With a suitable MagSafe charger and a 30W USB-C power adapter, users can now wirelessly charge their iPhones faster than ever before. This brings wireless charging much closer to the convenience and performance of wired charging.

Qi, Qi2 and Magsafe: what's the difference for iPhone?

Tips for safe and fast wireless charging for iPhones

Use an Apple-certified (MFi) MagSafe or Qi2 charger for optimal results.
Always center your iPhone on the pad for stable contact.
Avoid metal accessories or thick cases that can interfere.
Use a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter for full-speed charging.

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