The iPhone 17 Series' Wired Charging Speed May Be a Disappointment: A Limited Boost to 35W

The iPhone 17 Series' Wired Charging Speed May Be a Disappointment: A Limited Boost to 35WIf recent rumors prove true, those expecting a significant leap in wired charging speed for the iPhone 17 series may be disappointed. Jeff Pu, a well-known Apple supply chain analyst at investment firm GF Securities, stated in a note that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will all stick with 35W wired charging

The iPhone 17 Series' Wired Charging Speed May Be a Disappointment: A Limited Boost to 35W

If recent rumors prove true, those expecting a significant leap in wired charging speed for the iPhone 17 series may be disappointed. Jeff Pu, a well-known Apple supply chain analyst at investment firm GF Securities, stated in a note that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will all stick with 35W wired charging. This suggests a minimal, perhaps negligible, improvement over previous generations.

This prediction contrasts sharply with market expectations. Fast-charging technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, with many Android flagships boasting 100W or even higher charging speeds. Apple, while consistently leading in other technological areas, has remained comparatively conservative in charging speeds, drawing criticism from users.

Examination of the iPhone 16 series charging performance clarifies Pu's prediction. ChargingHead.coms tests on the iPhone 16 Pro revealed a maximum sustained charging power of approximately 30W. Interestingly, they also recorded a brief peak of 37W on the iPhone 16 Pro Max using Apple's 140W USB-C adapter. However, the sustained power level remained unclear, with the peak power not maintained for extended periods. This highlights the difference between peak and sustained charging speeds.

PhoneArena's tests on the standard iPhone 16 corroborated this. They found peak charging speeds reaching 38W during benchmark tests or high-load activities like gaming, but sustained charging hovered closer to 20W under typical usage. This again underscores the significant gap between peak and sustained charging power.

Combining ChargingHead.com and PhoneArena's data suggests the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro already approached 35W peak wired charging. Therefore, Pu's prediction of 35W for the iPhone 17 series isn't entirely surprising. It implies Apple may have reached the limits of its current technological architecture or chosen a more cautious approach to charging speed.

Pu's note didn't address MagSafe wireless charging. The iPhone 16 series offers up to 25W MagSafe wireless charging. Given the inherent limitations of wireless charging and Apple's continued MagSafe optimization, some improvement in wireless charging speed for the iPhone 17 series is anticipated, though the extent remains uncertain.

In summary, if Pu's prediction is accurate, the iPhone 17 series won't deliver an exciting breakthrough in wired charging. While 35W is an improvement over previous generations, it significantly lags behind Android competitors' 100W+ fast charging. This may disappoint consumers, especially as fast charging is a key selling point for smartphones. Apple's conservative approach to charging speed contrasts with its aggressive innovation in other areas, sparking industry discussion. Whether this is due to cost considerations, or a balance between charging speed, battery life, safety, and thermal management, remains unknown. The iPhone 17 series' charging speed will undoubtedly remain a focus of consumer attention and debate.

Apple's historically cautious approach to battery technology and thermal management likely limits its fast-charging capabilities. Faster charging typically means higher power and heat generation, requiring advanced battery and cooling technologies. Developing and improving these technologies requires time and resources. A more conservative charging speed increase may therefore be a rational choice after weighing pros and cons.

Ultimately, the iPhone 17 series' final charging performance awaits official confirmation. Pus prediction is based on supply chain information and may contain inaccuracies. Consumers should remain cautious and avoid blindly believing unconfirmed rumors. Official announcements will provide definitive answers. Apple needs to carefully consider balancing user demand for fast charging with battery life, safety, and cost to find the optimal balance in future products, directly impacting its competitiveness in the market.