iOS 26 Update Brings 25W Wireless Charging to iPhone 16 Lineup
Exciting news for iPhone 16 users! It looks like the upcoming iOS 26 update will finally unlock the full potential of wireless charging on your devices. While Apple hasn't officially announced it, the update is expected to bring Qi 2.2 support to the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
What does this mean for you? Well, previously, you could only get the fastest 25W wireless charging speeds using Apple's own MagSafe Charger. Third-party Qi chargers were limited to a slower 15W. But with Qi 2.2, you'll be able to use any Qi 2.2-compatible charger to get those faster speeds. This is fantastic news because it gives you more options and could potentially save you money on accessories.
Belkin has already jumped on board, releasing a range of new Qi2 25W charging stands. These include options for charging your iPhone and AirPods, or even a 3-in-1 that adds Apple Watch charging into the mix. According to Belkin, these chargers can juice up your iPhone 16 from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes, which is the same as Apple's MagSafe Charger.
I think this is a smart move by Apple. It not only improves the user experience but also opens up the ecosystem for third-party accessory makers. It’s always nice to have choices, and now you won’t be locked into using only MagSafe if you want the fastest wireless charging speeds. It's also safe to assume that the iPhone 17 series will also get this feature. So, if you are planning to buy a new iPhone, you are good to go!
Source: Mac Rumors