The new iPhone 16 series offers an exciting upgrade with its enhanced wireless charging capabilities. You might feel inclined to invest in the latest MagSafe charger paired with a more powerful charging brick to enjoy the increased 25W charging speed.
However, just because faster charging is an option, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice…
The original Qi wireless charging standard maxed out at 7.5 watts. MagSafe then doubled that to provide 15W, which is also the limit for the Qi2 standard.
With the launch of the iPhone 16 series, Apple is raising the stakes by offering even greater wireless charging power.
This year, all models in the iPhone 16 range—including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max—support MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W, provided you use a 30W adapter or higher.
However, it’s important to note that this increased charging speed only applies if you purchase the new MagSafe charger designed specifically for the iPhone 16 series.
This shift means that MagSafe and Qi2 chargers are no longer compatible interchangeably, as only the new MagSafe chargers can deliver 25W; Qi2 still caps at 15W.
While faster charging can be convenient, it may also accelerate battery wear. For example, if you’re considering a MagSafe charger for overnight charging, sticking with the existing 15W variants might be wiser.
Although iPhones come equipped with advanced battery management features—such as defaulting to an 80% charge until just before your regular wake-up time—the risk remains that higher charging speeds can lead to quicker battery degradation over time.
For most users, a 7.5W charger is usually sufficient to fully charge the iPhone during the night. When needing a mid-day power boost, a wired charger is often more effective, making the new 25W options less necessary for the average user.
Photo by Brandon Romanchuk on Unsplash
