Apple Ups the Game Again: iPhone 16 Brings 25W MagSafe Charging
Apple has raised the bar on wireless charging once again, just when third-party accessory makers started rolling out next-gen 15W Qi2 chargers. With the launch of the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple is now offering up to 25W wireless charging speeds over MagSafe, a full 10W faster than Qi2, setting a new standard for fast, reliable power.
Qi2, introduced as an open standard, was supposed to level the playing field for faster charging. No more licensing Apple’s tech—just 15W wireless charging for everyone. But that window of parity was short-lived. Accessory makers who want to offer the absolute fastest charging experience for the iPhone 16 are once again tied to Apple’s proprietary MagSafe technology.
When MagSafe first appeared with the iPhone 12, it was capable of charging at 15W, a huge leap from the 7.5W offered by standard Qi charging. Qi2 briefly caught up, matching MagSafe’s speeds, but with the iPhone 16, Apple has pushed ahead with a new 25W MagSafe charger, which requires a 30W power adapter to hit those top speeds.
The difference is significant—25W charging can power your iPhone 16 to 50% in just 30 minutes. And it’s important to note that the 25W speeds are exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup. Older MagSafe chargers will still work, but only offer up to 15W charging, meaning you'll need Apple’s new MagSafe charger to take advantage of the increased speed.
While Qi2 still offers a solid 15W for other devices, it’s clear that for iPhone users wanting the fastest charging option, MagSafe is once again the standard. Apple’s move not only reinforces its grip on the accessory market but also sets the stage for what we can expect from future iPhone models—faster, smarter, and even more seamless power management.
As technology evolves, it’s no surprise Apple continues to push the boundaries. Whether you're an early adopter or simply someone who wants to charge their phone as efficiently as possible, the new 25W MagSafe system reaffirms one thing: speed matters, and Apple is leading the charge.
Source: MacRumors