iOS 26 Wireless Charging Boost: Imagine being able to charge your iPhone almost half-full in just 30 minutes with no cables, just smooth magnetic alignment, courtesy of iOS 26. With this update, all iPhone 16 models except the iPhone 16e will support up to 25 W wireless charging using any third-party Qi2.2 (Qi2 25 W) charger, not just Apple’s MagSafe. Previously, MagSafe was the only method to deliver that speed, while third-party Qi chargers were limited to 15 W .
If you’ve been beta testing iOS 26, you may have already spotted this capability but for most users, it will become available when the update rolls out, likely in September 2025 .
iOS 26 Wireless Charging Boost
This unlock is a welcome shift toward accessory freedom. Before, fast wireless charging meant buying Apple’s own MagSafe and now, with Qi2.2 certification, brands like Belkin, Ugreen, Anker, and more are offering fast, magnetic chargers that hit the same 25 W speed .
For instance, Belkin’s new Qi2 25 W chargers (2-in-1, 3-in-1 docks) claim to take an iPhone 16 from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes, matching Apple’s own performance .
The Notable Exclusion: iPhone 16e
If you’re using the iPhone 16e, here’s the letdown: it does not support Qi2.2 or MagSafe charging, sticking instead with slower alternatives (around 7.5 W wireless). Unfortunately, the new iOS 26 advantage won’t apply to this entry-level sibling.
iPhone 17 Release Date: Tracking Apple’s 2025 Release Schedule
What About the iPhone 17 Series?
Good news: all signs point to the iPhone 17 lineup arriving with native Qi2.2 support, meaning they’ll fully leverage the 25 W wireless charging or possibly even faster speeds right out of the box .
In fact, regulators have surfaced two new MagSafe chargers (models A3502 and A3503) that support Qi2.2 and up to 45 W, hinting at a potential wireless charging leap possibly reaching 50 W with the iPhone 17 series . Enhanced magnetic alignment, efficiency, and faster power are all on the table.
iOS 26 brings a welcome upgrade fast, flexible wireless charging for iPhone 16 models (well, except the 16e!). That means you can finally ditch the MagSafe exclusivity and choose from a range of Qi2.2-certified chargers that match Apple’s own speeds. Plus, if speculation pans out, the iPhone 17 could take it even further with blazing-fast Qi2.2 MagSafe.
