MagSafe Charging Explained
MagSafe is the magnet ring on the back of recent iPhones that locks a charger in place. This page lists the speeds Apple publishes for each iPhone, the adapter you need, and how MagSafe relates to Qi2.
How fast is MagSafe for each iPhone?
Apple’s MagSafe Charger page gives different peak figures by model.
| iPhone | Peak MagSafe power | What Apple says you need |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17, 16 Plus, 16 Pro Max | Up to 25W | A 30W or greater adapter rated 15V/2.0A or higher |
| iPhone 16 and 16 Pro | 22.5W | Apple lists this as the peak |
| iPhone Air | 20W | Apple lists this as the peak |
| iPhone 17e and iPhone 15 and earlier | Up to 15W | A 20W or greater adapter |
Peak power depends on the phone, the adapter and conditions, so treat these as ceilings.
What should I do to get the full speed?
Apple says to plug the charger into power before placing the iPhone on it, so MagSafe can verify it is safe to deliver maximum power. Apple also notes that charging is limited while USB-C or Lightning accessories are connected to the iPhone.
When did MagSafe start, and how has it changed?
Wikipedia says Apple announced MagSafe on October 13, 2020, with the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro series. The charger uses a circle of rare-earth magnets. The first version delivered up to 15W and worked with the Qi standard for up to 7.5W. A second generation in 2024 delivered up to 25W with Qi2 compatibility for up to 15W, and a revised charger released in 2025 supports Qi2 charging up to 25W, according to the same article.
How does MagSafe relate to Qi2?
Wikipedia says the Wireless Power Consortium announced the Qi2 standard in 2023 and that it is based on MagSafe. Apple’s iPhone 17 specifications list both MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging up to 25W. See Qi2 and Qi.
What about cards, cases and accessories?
Wikipedia says Apple released MagSafe cases and accessories such as leather sleeves and wallets that attach magnetically, and a 2021 MagSafe Battery Pack with an 11.13Wh battery. It says the leather wallets are shielded to protect cards, and that Apple warns credit cards should not be placed between an iPhone and a MagSafe charger.
Which iPhones in our library list MagSafe?
Sixteen of the 17 iPhone pages list MagSafe. The exception is the iPhone 16e, which Apple lists as working with Qi chargers. See the Apple hub and the wattage guide.