Apple appears poised to double the wireless charging speed of its upcoming iPhone 17, regulatory filings revealed Thursday, as the tech giant pushes deeper into a cable-free future that could reshape how consumers power their devices.
Taiwan's National Communications Commission database shows two new MagSafe charger models from Apple that support the Qi 2.2 wireless charging standard, capable of delivering up to 45 watts of power—nearly twice the 25-watt maximum of current iPhone 16 models. The move signals Apple's commitment to wireless technology as it reportedly considers eliminating charging ports entirely from some future devices.
The new chargers, designated A3502 and A3503, maintain Apple's familiar white puck design but incorporate the upgraded Qi 2.2 standard, which supports maximum charging speeds of 50 watts12. Testing documents indicate compatibility with devices ranging from the iPhone 16 back to the iPhone 11, though older models will charge at reduced speeds1.
"The new MagSafe chargers are rated for 45W output when connected to a compatible USB-C power adapter," according to MacRumors, which first reported the regulatory filings1. The upgrade represents a substantial improvement over current Qi 2 technology, which maxes out at 15 watts for most devices1.
Apple's wireless charging advancement comes as competitors accelerate their own efforts. Samsung confirmed this year it will launch Qi2-compatible Galaxy devices in 2025, while Google is contributing its high-power wireless charging technology to the upcoming Qi 2.2 standard12.
The Wireless Power Consortium projects the wireless charging market will reach $223.5 billion by 2035, driven by adoption of standardized technologies and government investment in electric vehicle infrastructure3. Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi already offers 50-watt wireless charging on its flagship devices4.
The charging upgrade may support Apple's broader strategy to eliminate physical ports. The company reportedly considered making the iPhone 17 Air completely portless, relying solely on wireless charging and cloud-based data transfer12. European Union regulations previously complicated such plans, but the European Commission clarified that phones without wired charging capabilities are exempt from USB-C requirements2.
"If a phone does not offer wired charging, then it is not required to have a USB-C port," Commission spokesperson Federica Miccoli told Tribune2.
Apple has not officially announced the new chargers, but their appearance in regulatory databases suggests a public release ahead of the expected iPhone 17 launch in September3.
