Guide to iPhones that offer wireless charging

Welcome to our guide on iPhones with wireless charging—a futuristic feature that’s become a game-changer in smartphone convenience.

Dive into this article to explore which iPhone models support this cutting-edge technology, understand how wireless charging works, and discover the benefits of embracing a cord-free lifestyle.

Whether you’re planning to upgrade or just curious, this guide will illuminate the world of wireless charging for iPhone enthusiasts.

Does iPhone have wireless charging?

Wireless charging has become popular in recent years, and since iPhone 8, all Apple phones come with the technology built-in.

It is a simpler way to charge your device without having to fiddle with cables, making it convenient and easy to do.

Read on to find out which iPhones have wireless charging capabilities…

Does iPhone 6 / 6s have wireless charging?

No, iPhone 6 models do not have the ability to recharge wirelessly. As shown on the table below, iPhone 8 is the fist product Apple released with this technology built in.

Does iPhone 7 / 7 Plus have wireless charging?

No, iPhone 7 doesn’t allow wireless charging. The iPhone 8 device range, released in 2017, were the first models of Apple phone that supported recharging wirelessly.

List of wireless charging compatible iPhones

All of the iPhone models produced since iPhone 8 are compatible with the Qi wireless charging, which is the most widely used standard.

However,  iPhone 12 and newer models are also compatible with Magsafe wireless chargers. They use a magnetic connection to ensure that the charger is securely attached to the device to ensure the device is charging properly.

Pros and cons

Wireless charging is a technology that allows you to recharge your phone without having to plug it in using wires and cables. You simply place your iPhone on a charging mat.

Accessories that allow you to use wireless charging are not included with iPhone so you need to buy them separately.

Costs star at around $15 USD for Qi charging pads. Apple MagSafe pads are more expensive but can been bought for $30-$50 USD, if you shop around.

Wireless charging is a good alternative if your device won‘t charge using a standard cable. Find out more about fixing iPhone charging issues.

Qi wireless vs. MagSafe chargers

Qi wireless

Qi wireless charging is the most widely used method on phones. It is an open interface standard that defines the communication between the device being charged and the charging pad.

It is used by many different manufacturers, including Apple.

These tend to be less expensive than MagSafe but take longer to recharge your device.

MagSafe

Magsafe wireless chargers are specifically designed by Apple for iPhone 12 and newer models. They use a magnetic connection to ensure that the charger is securely attached to the device and that it is charging properly.

Qi chargers do not have a magnetic connection and don’t charge as quickly or as securely as Magsafe chargers. However, you pay a premium for these features.

Equipment list

In order to use wireless charging, you will need a charging pad:

• QI or MagSafe pad
  The Qi wireless pads come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and power ratings. They can be found at most electronics stores. If you prefer, you can use a MagSafe charger instead.
• Power adapter plug
  You will also need a power adapter for the wireless charging pad, although these normally are included.
• Cable
  In addition, you need  a cable to connect the pad to the power adapter. These are usually included with most pads.

Fast vs. standard recharging

For models up to the iPhone 11 series, the maximum wireless charging power is capped at 7.5 watt. This means a 10W charger is all you need for fast charging.

The charger automatically adjusts the power output to the maximum output that your phone can absorb making a 10W model more than sufficient.

For the iPhone 12 series and up the charging power is increased to 15W but only for use with the official Apple MagSafe chargers. So if you want faster charging you have to buy the official product which is around 50% more expensive.

How the technology works

Wireless charging works by using electromagnetic induction. This is a process in which an electrical current is generated in a coil of wire when it is exposed to a changing magnetic field.

In the case of wireless charging, the coil of wire is in the device being charged, and the changing magnetic field is generated by the wireless charging pad.

According to Belkin, the charging process works as follows:

1. A transmitter coil in the base sends out a signal.
2. The signal searches for a receiver coil, like the one in your iPhone.
3. When it senses one, electromagnetic induction begins.
4. The electrons (electricity) inside the transmitter coil start to flow around in the coil.
5. This generates a magnetic field, which is sensed by the electrons in the receiver coil.
6. The electrons trapped inside the receiver coil start to flow around the coil due to the magnetic field.
7. This flow of electrons inside the receiver coil is the electricity powering the battery in your smartphone.