(Credit: Apple)
Apple announced its fastest-ever MagSafe Charger today, with Qi2 wireless charging up to 25W.
As The Verge notes, that's faster than the wireless charging pads from top competitors Samsung (up to 15W) and Google (15W-23W) using the Qi standard. However, some Chinese phone makers support speeds ranging beyond 50W using proprietary technologies, such as Oppo's AirVOOC.
The new MagSafe charger is available now at Apple.com, starting at $39 for a one-meter cord or $49 for a two-meter cord.
The charging puck can power up an iPhone 8 or later, but only the newer phones achieve speeds up to 25W. Also, only the iPhone 12 through 16 can attach to the MagSafe charger magnetically to make "wireless charging a snap," Apple says.
- iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: Up to 25W, or 50% battery in 30 minutes, when paired with the 30W USB-C Power Adapter
- iPhone 12 or later: Up to 15W, when paired with the 20W USB-C Power Adapter
- iPhone 8 or later: Up to 7.5W with Qi charging, when paired with the 20W USB-C Power Adapter
AirPods with a wireless charging case, including the AirPods 4 that debuted today, can also use the new MagSafe puck, which is compatible with Qi2 and Qi charging.
The original MagSafe Charger can handle up to 15W, so if you already have one and aren't planning on getting the iPhone 16, it's probably not worth updating, according to Engadget. The iPhone 16 does not include a MagSafe charger or charging puck in the box, only a USB-C cable, so you'd need to purchase it separately.