I tried a faster new way to charge my iPhone, and | Tech News

Wireless charging for iPhones isn’t a new idea. The first smartphone from Apple to characteristic this technology was the iPhone 8, which launched all of the way back in 2017. Improved MagSafe refilling was then launched on the iPhone 12 vary in 2020 which, thanks to a intelligent magnetic connection, makes sure the battery is boosted far more effectively and avoids annoying misalignment points – and that is important. Not putting a system in precisely the best place on a wi-fi pad means charging gained’t be optimum – that’s one thing MagSafe immediately rectifies.

To make issues even higher, MagSafe was upgraded in 2024 with the iPhone 16 (and now the iPhone 17) gaining entry to faster 25W charging speeds through an improved MagSafe puck.

This technology stays one of the best options of Apple’s smartphones and was one of the explanations we criticised 2025’s iPhone 16e, which failed to characteristic it.

Now, issues have been boosted again with one other new way to wirelessly refill the batteries.

Qi2 technology is the most recent wi-fi normal, which isn’t solely accessible within the newest iPhone 17 vary but additionally in some new Android telephones, together with the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

This newest Qi 2 charging platform is more highly effective than earlier than, with some units gaining entry to 25W speeds, reasonably than the usual 15W.

Along with Apple’s MagSafe puck, a number of accent makers now offer wi-fi charging docks with Qi 2.0 inside, and I’ve not too long ago been testing fashions made by each Anker and Belkin.

These good boosters not solely refill telephones a lot faster however may energy up wi-fi earbuds and the Apple Watch concurrently.

Belkin’s new 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock options a neat and compact design, making it good for a bedside desk with spots to your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. Anker’s Prime Wireless Charging Station seems a little more futuristic and even will get a little show, which reveals precisely how fast issues are being topped up.

Another bonus of these chargers is that they characteristic cooling, which makes sure issues don’t overheat during fast refills. If issues begin to get toasty, speeds will fall, so the built-in fan makes sure you get the utmost charging energy for longer.

There’s no doubt that these docks take all the trouble out of boosting the battery, together with making issues a little bit faster as properly. They additionally act as a good stand for units, and you get a satisfying snap after they connect to the magnets within the charger.

With Google now offering its own tackle MagSafe and more units set to observe, these charging equipment are additionally changing into far more helpful for houses that use each Android and Apple.

With costs ranging from round £100, they aren’t low-cost, and you’ll nonetheless get faster charging utilizing a easy and far cheaper USB-C cable and charging brick.

However, if you’d like a neat dock that may refill a number of devices directly and is now suitable with more telephones, these Qi2 docks are a best choice.

SEE THE DEALS BELOW

Belkin 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock • £109.99
SEE THE DEAL HERE

Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station • £159.99
SEE THE DEAL HERE