iOS 26 quietly bumps up the charging speeds of the iPhone 16 models

• iOS 26 will unlock extra charging speeds on the iPhone 16 models
• 25W is going to be possible using third-party chargers
• We should see the final version of the software roll out in September

Prior to its anticipated general release next month, iOS 26 has undergone multiple cycles of beta testing since its June announcement. We now know that it will give current iPhone 16 devices an additional benefit: faster wireless charging.

According to MacRumors, iOS 26 enables the iPhone 16’s Qi2 wireless charging standard to its full potential, allowing for up to 25W of wireless charging with third-party Qi chargers. The previous maximum was 15W.

The hardware of the phone, the charging standard, and the software support must all work together to provide the fastest charging speeds. When the iPhone 16 phones were released in September of last year, they came equipped with the Qi2 standard. In July, they were updated to enable 25W.

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However, the 16 iPhone series does not yet have the 25W upgrade unlocked; only authorized Apple MagSafe chargers are capable of 25W wireless charging. That will change when iOS 26 is fully released.

Wireless boosts all round

According to Apple’s own statistics for its MagSafe line of products, you can charge an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro from empty to 50% battery in as little as 30 minutes thanks to the enhanced charging capabilities.

Belkin has acted quickly to capitalize on the impending update by launching three new chargers. Apple hasn’t mentioned it explicitly yet, but that could change after the iOS 26 beta period concludes.

As was widely anticipated, this confirms that the iPhone 17 phones will support the most recent Qi2.2 standard and wireless charging up to 25W. However, one leak suggests that MagSafe capabilities could reach 50W as third-party charger support is increased to 25W.

The iPhone 17 series will almost certainly be unveiled by Apple in September, and there are signs that something might occur on or around September 9. As usual, we’ll keep you updated on all announcements and news as they happen.