Apple's iPhone 16 Series Wireless Charging Faces Challenges: New Regulations Restrict MagSafe and Qi2

Apple's iPhone 16 Series Wireless Charging Faces Challenges: New Regulations Restrict MagSafe and Qi2The "Provisional Regulations on Radio Management of Wireless Charging (Power Transmission) Equipment", issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, will come into effect on September 1st. These regulations strictly regulate aspects like the charging power and frequency of wireless charging devices

Apple's iPhone 16 Series Wireless Charging Faces Challenges: New Regulations Restrict MagSafe and Qi2

The "Provisional Regulations on Radio Management of Wireless Charging (Power Transmission) Equipment", issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, will come into effect on September 1st. These regulations strictly regulate aspects like the charging power and frequency of wireless charging devices. The limitations on wireless charging frequency pose a significant challenge to Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 series.

Article 4 of the new regulations explicitly states that the operating frequency range of mobile and portable wireless charging devices should be within the 100-148.5kHz, 6765-6795kHz, and 13553-13567kHz bands, with a rated transmission power not exceeding 80W. For most existing wireless charging devices on the market, the 80W power limit is not a concern, even representing an increase from the previous 50W limit. Apple currently offers a maximum wireless charging power of 15W, which naturally complies with the new regulations. However, the new regulations on operating frequency have a considerable impact on Apple's MagSafe and Qi2 technologies. Both technologies operate at a frequency of 360kHz, clearly violating the new regulations.

The regulations stipulate that from the date of implementation, the production and import for sale and use within China of wireless charging devices that do not comply with the regulations will be prohibited. Wireless charging devices produced or imported before this date can continue to be sold and used until they are scrapped. This means the currently available iPhone 15 series will not be affected by the new regulations and can still be purchased and used after September 1st. However, the iPhone 16 series faces a tricky situation. Without the ability to use MagSafe and Qi2 technology, they will only be able to rely on the Qi protocol's 7.5W charging, significantly reducing charging speed and rendering wireless charging almost negligible.

To adapt to the new regulations, Apple's website has updated the wireless charging support documentation, adjusting the rated transmission power to 7.5W and the operating frequency to 127.7kHz to comply. However, the low charging speed of 7.5W will struggle to meet users' needs for fast wireless charging, undoubtedly compromising the user experience.

It's predictable that domestic Chinese smartphone manufacturers will quickly adopt 80W wireless fast charging technology and actively introduce corresponding wireless charging devices. Apple, restricted by the new regulations, will face a diminished wireless charging functionality, becoming almost useless. Users who have become accustomed to magnetic charging will likely need to revert to wired charging if they upgrade to the iPhone 16 series.

The implementation of these new regulations presents a significant challenge for Apple. Striking a balance between adhering to the regulations and providing a satisfying user experience becomes a crucial consideration for Apple. Users also need to be aware of the changes brought about by the new regulations and choose suitable smartphones and wireless charging devices based on their individual needs.