iOS 17.4 brings with it a surprise wireless charging boost for the iPhone 12
Full 15W speeds unlocked
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It’s always nice to see an older phone get new features, and it appears the roll out ofiOS 17.4has brought an unexpected boost to wireless charging speeds on theiPhone 12, which originally launched back in 2020.
As perMacworld, the iPhone 12 can now reach wireless charging speeds of 15W with third-party Qi2 wireless chargers. A number of users are seeing the improvement, so it seems to be legit – thoughApplehasn’t mentioned it.
You might remember the iPhone 12 handsets introduced the MagSafe charging standard, and it’s always been the case that official Apple-certified MagSafe chargers have wirelessly charged up these phones at 15W.
However, wireless chargers without the Apple seal of approval were previously limited to 7.5W, using the Qi2 wireless charging tech also built into the iPhone 12. That charging rate now seems to be matching MagSafe.
Updates, updates, updates
As noted byMacRumors, something similar has previously happened with theiPhone 13andiPhone 14when iOS 17.2 rolled out, but that time Apple did mention the charging improvements in the software release notes, which it hasn’t done this time.
Those upgrades meant the iPhone 12 was the only one of Apple’s smartphones with MagSafe that couldn’t reach 15W wireless charging speeds with third-party chargers, so it brings more consistency to the line-up, at least.
iOS 17.4 was pushed out to the world on March 21, andalso brings with itpodcast transcription, improved security features, and new emoji. If you’re in the EU, it also enables the option to install third-party app stores for the first time.
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iOS 18is now on the way too. Apple hasset June 10as the date for itsWWDC(Worldwide Developers Conference) event this year, when it usually showcases all the changes coming to its various software platforms throughout the rest of the year.
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Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you’ll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.
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