Apple's latest iPhone 16 lineup is set to deliver a significant boost in charging speeds, according to recent certifications from the China Quality Certification Centre. All four models of the iPhone 16 series are now capable of supporting up to 45W of wired fast charging through their USB-C ports.
This development marks a substantial improvement over the previous iPhone 15 generation, which maxed out at around 27-29W. The new 45W capability represents an increase of over 50% in charging speed, potentially reducing the time users need to keep their devices plugged in.
The certification documents, spotted by tech enthusiasts on social media platforms, reveal that the iPhone 16 models were tested at 5-15 volts and 3 amps, confirming the 45W maximum charging capacity. This puts the new iPhones on par with some high-end Android devices in terms of charging speeds, though still behind some Chinese manufacturers who offer even faster charging solutions.
Interestingly, Apple has not officially commented on this improved wired charging speed. The company tends to be reserved about such specifications, often understating the capabilities of their devices. For instance, while iPhones have been able to charge at speeds over 25W for several years, Apple has only officially recommended using a 20W USB-C power adapter for fast charging.
The iPhone 16 series, unveiled earlier this week, brings several new features to the table. These include a new Camera Caption button, larger displays on the Pro models, and what Apple describes as their first phones built for "Apple Intelligence." With pre-orders starting soon and deliveries scheduled for September 20th, tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating getting their hands on these devices.
For those planning to purchase an iPhone 16, it might be worth investing in a power adapter capable of delivering higher charging speeds to take full advantage of this new feature. While the improved charging speed is a welcome addition, it's worth noting that it still falls short of the ultra-fast charging capabilities offered by some Chinese smartphone manufacturers, which can reach up to 240W or more.
In addition to the enhanced wired charging, the new iPhones also feature improved wireless charging capabilities. MagSafe can now deliver up to 25W when paired with a compatible 30W power adapter, up from the previous 15W limit.
As the smartphone industry continues to push the boundaries of charging technology, Apple's move to increase the charging speed of its flagship devices is a step in the right direction for users who value quick power-ups. However, it remains to be seen whether this improvement will significantly impact real-world usage and if Apple will continue to close the gap with its competitors in future iterations.