Does iPhone SE have wireless charging?

Eyeing the affordable iPhone SE but unsure if it keeps up with modern features like wireless charging? Confused whether this budget-friendly option means sacrificing cable-free convenience? Let’s sort this out quickly for you.

Yes, but with a catch! The iPhone SE (2nd generation, released in 2020)¹ and the iPhone SE (3rd generation, released in 2022)² DO support wireless charging. However, the original iPhone SE (1st generation, from 2016) does NOT have this feature.

So, the answer depends entirely on which iPhone SE you’re talking about. This is a common point of confusion I see, especially for folks like David who might be looking at refurbished or older stock alongside the latest models. Knowing the difference is key before you buy or grab a wireless charger. Let’s dive into which models work and how the feature operates on them.

Which specific iPhone SE models support wireless charging?

Worried you might grab an older iPhone SE thinking it charges wirelessly? Confused because Apple used the same "SE" name for phones released years apart? Let’s pinpoint exactly which models have the necessary tech.

Only the newer iPhone SE models have wireless charging: the iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) and the iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022). They support the standard Qi wireless charging³ protocol thanks to their glass backs, inherited from the iPhone 8 design.

)

Understanding the lineage of the iPhone SE is key here. The name has been applied to distinctly different hardware over the years.

Breaking Down the SE Generations:

1. iPhone SE (1st generation – 2016):

   • This model looked very similar to the older iPhone 5S, featuring a smaller 4-inch screen and an aluminum back panel.
   • Crucially, its aluminum back prevents inductive wireless charging.
   • Result: No wireless charging.

2. iPhone SE (2nd generation – 2020):

   • Apple revived the SE name with a model based on the iPhone 8 design. This means a larger 4.7-inch screen and, importantly, a glass back.
   • The glass back allows for inductive charging.
   • Result: Yes, supports Qi wireless charging (up to 7.5W).

3. iPhone SE (3rd generation – 2022):

   • This model retains the same physical design as the 2nd generation (and thus the iPhone 8), including the glass back. It primarily featured internal upgrades like the A15 Bionic chip and 5G support.
   • Result: Yes, supports Qi wireless charging (up to 7.5W).

For someone like David managing inventory or buying stock, knowing this distinction is vital. You can’t just order "iPhone SE wireless chargers" without specifying compatibility or ensuring the phones themselves are the 2020 or 2022 models. The physical design (iPhone 5S style vs. iPhone 8 style) is the easiest visual cue.

Here’s a simple table summarizing it:

How does wireless charging work on the compatible iPhone SEs, and are there limitations?

Okay, so your 2nd or 3rd gen iPhone SE supports wireless charging. But how well does it work? Concerned it might be slow or lack features found on higher-end iPhones? Let’s look at the specifics.

The compatible iPhone SE models use the universal Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) wireless charging standard, charging at speeds up to 7.5 watts. They do not support Apple’s faster, magnetic MagSafe wireless charging system found on iPhone 12 and newer flagship models.

Understanding the type and speed of wireless charging on the SE is important for setting expectations.

Qi Charging Explained (for iPhone SE):

• How it Works: Qi is the global standard for inductive charging. You place your iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen) onto a Qi-certified charging pad or stand. Coils inside the charger and the phone create a magnetic field to transfer power without cables.
• Speed: Apple limits the Qi charging speed on iPhones (including the SE) to a maximum of 7.5W. While convenient for overnight charging or keeping topped up at your desk, this is significantly slower than wired charging, especially if using a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charger (18W or higher). Even the old 5W wired charger is technically capable of similar speeds, though Qi offers convenience.
• No MagSafe: The iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen) lacks the internal magnet array required for MagSafe. This means:
  • No magnetic alignment: You need to manually place the SE correctly on the Qi charging coil.
  • No faster 15W MagSafe speeds.
  • No compatibility with MagSafe-specific accessories like magnetic wallets or car mounts (unless the accessory uses standard Qi and magnets separately).
• Why Only Qi? Integrating MagSafe would add cost and complexity to the SE, which is designed as Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone. Sticking with the established iPhone 8 design (which only had Qi) kept costs down.

For practical users like David, the 7.5W Qi charging on the SE is a nice-to-have convenience feature rather than a high-speed power solution. It’s perfect for placing on a nightstand charger overnight. Just ensure you’re using a quality, Qi-certified charger – like the ones we rigorously test at FUMEI – for safety, reliability, and optimal 7.5W speed. Uncertified chargers might be slower or pose safety risks.

Conclusion

Yes, the iPhone SE supports wireless charging, but only the 2nd (2020) and 3rd (2022) generation models. They use the standard Qi protocol (up to 7.5W) and lack MagSafe. The original 2016 SE doesn’t support it.