The upcoming iOS 17.2 update already brings several important features to Apple’s phones, like Journal and using your Live Stickers to react in messages. Now, a report says you can add faster wireless charging for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 to that list.
The update will bring Qi2 wireless charging to Apple’s previous-generation phones, 9to5Mac reported Tuesday. Qi is a standard for wireless charging that device manufacturers implement in their devices. The iPhone 15 was the first model from Apple to support the new Qi2 standard at launch.
Apple didn’t respond to a request for comment.
The second Qi standard has a 15-watt speed maximum. While first-generation Qi chargers that work with iOS and Android phones have been capable of reaching that rate, most of the chargers have been released with 7.5-watt or 10-watt caps (which hasn’t mattered until recently as older phones had only been capable of wirelessly charging at 5 watts or 10 watts).
The Qi2 standard adds magnetic charging based on Apple’s MagSafe technology, though it’ll conceivably be available for device makers to create chargers that juice up both iOS and Android phones. Ultimately, this should allow the iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 to connect to and wirelessly recharge using third-party Qi2 chargers.
Qi2 charging devices will start hitting store shelves in time for the holiday season, according to the Wireless Power Consortium’s press release announcing the new standard. Belkin, Mophie, Anker and Aircharge are set to release Qi2 products.
Apple hasn’t revealed exactly when iOS 17.2 will be available to download, though it’s expected to be available in the next week or two. The update adds the long-awaited Journal app that Apple revealed at WWDC in June, spatial video recording for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (which can be viewed with the Apple Vision Pro headset) and many other small but meaningful improvements.
Read more: iOS 17.2: The Journal App and More Are Almost Here
Source: CNET
