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“Wireless” charging on iPhone: what is it and how does it work? Charging by induction (often called “wireless“) It is the most practical way for you to power your device's battery, as you just need to place it on the surface for the charge to start working, without having to connect any wires to the device.
Starting in 2017, Apple began incorporating this technology into new iPhones, making it more popular and well-known on the market. But how does it work? What devices are compatible? How does it differ from the traditional charging method?
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In this article, we aim to answer these and other questions.
Qi Standard
Apple happily adopted the Qi standard (read chi), the same one used by much of the industry. This means that it is possible to use bases from other brands or take advantage of wireless charging available in restaurants, airports, etc. After the iPhone adopted this standard, we started to see more options available out there.
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Charging speed
The energy power provided by the induction base determines the iPhone's charging speed.
The most common bases offer 5W of power and are perfectly compatible with the iPhone. However, it accepts 7.5W current, which makes it charge faster. Even if you use a base with more power than that (such as 10W), the iPhone will only absorb 7.5W by induction. But don't worry, there's no problem with using more powerful foundations. In fact, if one day Apple increases this absorption capacity, you will already be prepared.
Induction charging is normally slower than those carried out by cables, and this happens in all brands. This is typical of the technology, as the energy loss in the induction process (on average, 30%) is much greater than that done with wires. Therefore, you cannot expect wireless charging to be as fast as using a Lightning cable.
Note that recharging the iPhone with an induction base has similar performance to charging with a cable using the original charger that comes in the iPhone box.
The only advantage of wireless charging is the convenience. You just need to place the device on the base and it will recharge the battery, without you having to worry about connecting anything. When leaving the place, simply pick up the device back as if it were on the table and leave, without bureaucracies techniques.
Many people buy simple 5W bases (less expensive) to place next to the bed and leave the iPhone charging at night, as charging speed is not so necessary in this case.
Who is compatible
All iPhones launched from 2017 onwards are compatible with inductive charging. I.e:
iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the most current.
“But I updated the iOS on my iPhone 7, can I use an induction base to charge”?
No.
It is quite common for us to receive this type of question, as many do not understand very well what exactly this type of charging is. It is not associated with the software but with the hardware. There must be an internal coil that transmits energy to the battery, and only new devices have this. It also cannot have a metal back, as it cuts the current (which is why the new iPhones have a glass back).
Cases and metals
Depending on the base chosen, it allows charging from a few millimeters away, which makes it possible to use cases while the device is charging.
As there cannot be anything metal between the base and the iPhone, metal covers or plates attached to magnetic supports cannot be used while the device is recharging. In many bases there is a metal detection system (FOD, Foreign Object Detection) that identifies foreign objects and interrupts the current if it identifies something metallic. So, if your case has this, you will have to remove it to charge your iPhone.
Wireless Charging Tips
- The iPhone needs to be well centered on the base. If charging is failing without there being any object between the two parts, try repositioning the device. If you are using a case, try removing it to see if it is responsible for the interference.
- If your iPhone vibrates (when you receive a notification, for example), it may change position. This may cause the charging dock to stop charging your iPhone. If this happens frequently, consider turning off vibration, turning on the Do not disturb or use a cover to prevent movement.
- Your iPhone may get a little warm while charging. If the battery becomes too hot, the software may limit charging above 80% to extend battery life. The iPhone will charge again when the temperature drops. Try moving your iPhone and charger to a cooler location.
- Your iPhone will not inductively charge if it is already connected to a USB port. If your iPhone is connected to your computer's USB port or a USB power adapter, it charges from the USB connection.
