It’s an exciting discovery for iPhone 12 users worldwide: iOS 17.4 has secretly enabled Qi2 support for their devices. While Apple has yet to make an official announcement, tests conducted by Macworld and feedback from readers confirm that the iPhone 12 now charges wirelessly at the full 15W speed when connected to a non-MagSafe Qi2 charger.
Qi2, the next evolution of wireless charging, offers improved efficiency and magnetic alignment features inspired by Apple’s MagSafe technology. In collaboration with the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), Apple provided its MagSafe specifications as the foundation for the Qi2 Magnetic Power Profile. This new technology allows for faster, more reliable charging experiences.
Previously, Qi2 support was only available for the iPhone 13 and 14, along with the MagSafe-based fast-charge technology featured in the iPhone 15. Officially, Apple limits non-certified but compatible magnetic Qi charging to a maximum of 7.5 watts. However, with the unofficial support found in iOS 17.4, iPhone 12 users can now experience the same charging speeds as the newer models.
In tests conducted by Macworld, the iPhone 12 charged just as fast with the Anker Qi2 MagGo Wireless Charger as it did with the Apple MagSafe Charger. The charging times for the iPhone 12 Pro Max reached 30 percent in 33 minutes and 50 percent in 64 minutes with the Anker Qi2 charger. These results show that Qi2 charging rivals the speed of MagSafe charging.
This breakthrough in charging capabilities was first brought to our attention by a Macworld reader who noticed the increased charging speed and the display of the MagSafe/Qi2 animation when using the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad with Qi2.
While Belkin has listed the iPhone 12 as compatible with their Qi2 chargers, there is still ambiguity in Anker’s stance on iPhone 12 Qi2 compatibility. Some of their products include the iPhone 12 as a compatible device, while others omit it from their list. Anker clarifies that the iPhone 12 Pro was designed before the Qi2 standard was introduced, but it still supports the original Qi standard and MagSafe technology.
It’s important to note that while the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini charge at a maximum of 12W with standard Qi, older Qi-compatible or MagSafe iPhones can be charged on a Qi2 charger as well, albeit at a maximum of 7.5 watts.
With the discovery of Qi2 support for the iPhone 12, users can now enjoy faster and more efficient wireless charging. Apple’s dedication to improving charging technology continues to enhance the user experience and solidify their position as a leader in the tech industry.
The discovery of Qi2 support for the iPhone 12 has significant implications for the wireless charging industry. Qi2, the next evolution of wireless charging, not only offers improved efficiency but also incorporates magnetic alignment features inspired by Apple’s MagSafe technology. This collaboration between Apple and the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has paved the way for faster and more reliable charging experiences.
Prior to this discovery, Qi2 support was only available for the iPhone 13 and 14, along with the MagSafe-based fast-charge technology featured in the iPhone 15. Officially, Apple limits non-certified but compatible magnetic Qi charging to a maximum of 7.5 watts. However, with the unofficial support found in iOS 17.4, iPhone 12 users can now experience the same charging speeds as the newer models.
In tests conducted by Macworld, it was found that the iPhone 12 charged at the same speed with the Anker Qi2 MagGo Wireless Charger as it did with the Apple MagSafe Charger. This breakthrough in charging capabilities signifies that Qi2 charging rivals the speed of MagSafe charging.
Belkin has listed the iPhone 12 as compatible with their Qi2 chargers, offering further options for users. However, there is still ambiguity surrounding Anker’s stance on iPhone 12 Qi2 compatibility. While some of their products include the iPhone 12 as a compatible device, others omit it from their list. Anker clarifies that the iPhone 12 Pro was designed before the Qi2 standard was introduced, but it still supports the original Qi standard and MagSafe technology.
It’s important to note that while the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini charge at a maximum of 12W with standard Qi, older Qi-compatible or MagSafe iPhones can be charged on a Qi2 charger as well, albeit at a maximum of 7.5 watts.
This breakthrough in wireless charging capabilities further solidifies Apple’s position as a leader in the tech industry. Their dedication to improving charging technology continues to enhance the user experience and sets new standards for the industry.
For more information on wireless charging and the latest developments in the industry, visit the Wireless Power Consortium website.
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