iOS 17.4 brings a surprising wireless charging boost to the iPhone 12
It’s always nice to see an older phone get new features, and it looks like the rollout of iOS 17.4 has given an unexpected boost to wireless charging speeds on the iPhone 12, which originally launched in 2020.
From MacworldiPhone 12 can now achieve 15W wireless charging speeds with third-party Qi2 wireless chargers. A number of users are seeing the improvement, so it seems legitimate – even though Apple hasn’t mentioned it.
You may remember when the iPhone 12 handsets introduced the MagSafe charging standard, and it has always been the case that official Apple-certified MagSafe chargers have charged these phones wirelessly at 15W.
However, wireless chargers without the Apple seal of approval were previously limited to 7.5W, using the Qi2 wireless charging technology also built into the iPhone 12. That charging speed now seems to match MagSafe.
Updates, updates, updates
As noted by MacRumorsSomething similar has happened before with the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 when iOS 17.2 came out, but that time Apple did mention the charging improvements in the software release notes, which it didn’t do this time.
Those upgrades meant the iPhone 12 was the only Apple smartphone with MagSafe that couldn’t achieve 15W wireless charging speeds with third-party chargers, so at least it brings more consistency to the lineup.
iOS 17.4 was released on March 21 and also brings podcast transcription, improved security features and new emoji. If you’re in the EU, this also allows you to install third-party app stores for the first time.
iOS 18 is now also on its way. Apple has set June 10 as the date for its WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) event this year, which usually showcases all the changes that will be happening across its various software platforms for the rest of the year.