Sick of plugging in that Lightning cable day after day? Wondering if your current iPhone, or the one you’re eyeing, can enjoy the convenience of wireless charging? Let’s find out.
Great news! Apple introduced wireless charging back in 2017, and every flagship iPhone model released since the iPhone 8 and iPhone X supports Qi wireless charging. This includes all the newer series like 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, plus the later SE models.
Knowing the general rule is helpful, but you probably want the nitty-gritty details – the complete list and maybe a little about how it works. As someone who lives and breathes charger manufacturing at FUMEI, helping folks like my friend David understand compatibility is key. Let’s break down exactly which iPhones let you cut the cord.
Which specific iPhone models have wireless charging?
Need the definitive list to check your own phone or plan your next upgrade? Worried you might misremember which models started the trend? Having the exact lineup helps avoid confusion.
Starting with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X in 2017, all subsequent standard and Pro models have included wireless charging. This now covers a wide range of devices, including the popular SE series (from the 2nd gen onwards).
Let’s dive deeper and list them out generation by generation, so there’s absolutely no doubt. Knowing this is essential whether you’re buying a charger for yourself or sourcing accessories for your business.
The Ones That Started It All (2017)
Apple first brought Qi wireless charging to these models:
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
Continuing the Trend (2018 Onwards)
Every flagship iPhone released after the 8/X series has kept the feature:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018)
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation) (2020)
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020 – Also introduced MagSafe)
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation) (2022)
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022)
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max (2023)
Quick Compatibility Check Table
| iPhone Model Series | Wireless Charging? | Key Standard(s) Supported |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 7 / 7 Plus & Older | No | N/A |
| iPhone 8 / 8 Plus / X | Yes | Qi |
| iPhone XS / XS Max / XR | Yes | Qi |
| iPhone 11 Series | Yes | Qi |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen) | Yes | Qi |
| iPhone 12 Series | Yes | Qi & MagSafe |
| iPhone 13 Series | Yes | Qi & MagSafe |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Yes | Qi |
| iPhone 14 Series | Yes | Qi & MagSafe |
| iPhone 15 Series | Yes | Qi & MagSafe |
Basically, if your iPhone isn’t ancient history (pre-2017), it almost certainly supports wireless charging using the universal Qi standard. Newer models (12 and up) add MagSafe for an enhanced experience.
What kind of wireless charging do iPhones use?
So your iPhone can charge wirelessly, but does that mean any charging pad will work equally well? Worried about slow speeds or needing specific Apple gear? Understanding the tech helps.
All compatible iPhones use the Qi (pronounced "chee") standard, which is universal. However, iPhone 12 models and newer also include MagSafe, Apple’s enhancement that uses magnets for alignment and faster charging potential.
Let’s explore what these two standards mean for your charging experience. Getting this right ensures you buy chargers that perform as expected – something crucial for reliability, a core value at FUMEI.
Qi: The Universal Baseline
- Compatibility: This is the open standard used by hundreds of device brands. Any Qi-certified charger will work with any wireless-charging capable iPhone (8 and newer).
- Speed: On iPhones, standard Qi charging is typically limited to a maximum power delivery of 7.5 watts (W). This is convenient but not the absolute fastest wireless option.
- How it Works: You place the iPhone on the pad, aiming to align the internal charging coils. Good alignment is needed for efficient charging.
- Advantage: Huge variety of available chargers at different price points.
MagSafe: Apple’s Magnetic Enhancement
- Compatibility: Introduced with the iPhone 12 series and present on all subsequent models (13, 14, 15, etc.). It’s built on top of Qi.
- Speed: MagSafe allows for faster wireless charging, potentially up to 15W, when used with a compatible MagSafe charger and a sufficient power adapter (usually 20W USB-C PD).
- How it Works: A ring of magnets in the iPhone and the charger ensures perfect alignment every single time. You get a satisfying "snap" as it connects.
- Advantage: Faster speeds than Qi and eliminates alignment guesswork. Also enables an ecosystem of magnetic accessories (wallets, mounts).
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Standard Qi | MagSafe (on iPhone 12+) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Max Speed | ~7.5W | Up to 15W |
| Alignment | Manual (can be tricky) | Automatic (Magnetic) |
| Technology | Universal Standard | Apple Enhancement (Qi-based) |
| Benefit | Wide compatibility, lower cost | Faster speed, easy alignment |
Crucially, MagSafe-equipped iPhones (12 and newer) are still fully backward compatible with standard Qi chargers – they’ll just charge at the slower 7.5W rate on those pads. Always look for Qi1 or MagSafe certification for safety and performance.
How can I easily check if my specific iPhone model supports it?
Maybe you inherited an older iPhone or just can’t remember the exact model name. Is there a quick way to confirm if your phone has wireless charging without digging through specs?
Yes, the easiest visual cue for models before the iPhone X is the back material. If your iPhone has a glass back (like the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus), it supports wireless charging. Metal backs (like the iPhone 7 and older) block it. For iPhone X and newer, they all have glass backs and support it.
While the model list is definitive, sometimes a quick physical check or settings dive can give you the answer immediately. Let’s cover the simple ways to verify.
The Glass Back Test (Easiest for Older Models)
- iPhone 8 / 8 Plus / X (and all newer): These models feature a glass back panel specifically to enable wireless charging. If the back of your phone is glass, it’s compatible.
- iPhone 7 / 7 Plus and older: These models have aluminum (metal) backs. Metal interferes with inductive charging, so these do not support wireless charging natively.
Checking Your Model Name in Settings
If you’re unsure of your exact model:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Look for Model Name.
Once you know the Model Name (e.g., "iPhone 11", "iPhone SE (2nd generation)", "iPhone XR"), you can compare it against the compatibility list provided earlier. If it’s iPhone 8/X or anything newer, you’re good to go.
The Ultimate Test: Try a Qi Charger
- If you have access to any known working Qi wireless charging2 pad (maybe a friend’s or one at a store):
- Place your iPhone flat on the center of the charging pad.
- Wait a few seconds.
- If the charging indicator appears on your iPhone screen (the battery icon turns green with a lightning bolt, or the charging animation appears on the lock screen), then it supports wireless charging!
| Checking Method | How it Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Back Check | Look at the phone’s back material | Quickly identifying iPhone 8/X vs older |
| Settings > General > About | Find the official Model Name | Confirming the exact model |
| Try a Qi Charger | Place phone on a known working wireless charger | Definitive real-world test if unsure |
Using one of these methods, you can quickly confirm whether your specific iPhone is ready for the convenience of wireless charging.
Conclusion
To sum it up: If you have an iPhone 8, iPhone X, or any newer model (including SE 2nd/3rd gen), your phone supports Qi wireless charging. iPhone 12 and later also boast faster MagSafe charging.