iOS 13.1 Wireless Charging Speeds: Check Your Charger

Yes, iOS 13.1 limits third-party wireless chargers to 5W (standard Qi) unless they use Apple’s certified fast-charging profile, so you must check the charger you plan on buying for “7.5W” or “Made for iPhone” certification. This article explains exactly what changed, how to verify a charger’s speed, and what to expect in real-world use.

Formula

Effective power = charger power × efficiency (≈65%), then energy = effective power × time, then percent = (energy / battery capacity) × 100. Variables: p = charger’s rated output in watts (W), t = charging time in hours, wh = energy in watt-hours (Wh), pct = percentage of battery capacity added. The iPhone 11 battery is about 10.78 Wh (3110 mAh at 3.81 V), so that value is used as the denominator.

Worked Example

Using the defaults: charger power = 7.5 W, time = 3 hours. Effective power = 7.5 × 0.65 = 4.875 W. Energy = 4.875 × 3 = 14.625 Wh. Percent = (14.625 / 10.78) × 100 ≈ 135.7%. That means a 7.5W charger can fully charge an iPhone 11 in about 2.2 hours (since 100% / 135.7% × 3 h ≈ 2.2 h). The calculator shows 136% for 3 hours, which makes sense because the phone would stop at 100%.

What Changed in iOS 13.1

Before iOS 13.1, many third-party chargers could hit 7.5W using a generic fast-charging protocol. Apple’s update introduced a firmware check that only allows 7.5W if the charger uses the specific “Made for iPhone” wireless charging profile (or is an Apple-branded charger). Uncertified chargers are capped at 5W, which is 33% slower. This was a quiet change—Apple didn’t advertise it widely, but users noticed charging times increased after updating.

How to Check Your Charger

Look for these indicators before buying:

• “7.5W” on the box – Many manufacturers list the output power. If it says “5W,” it’s standard Qi.
• “Made for iPhone” (MFi) logo – This is the safest guarantee. Apple licenses this to chargers that meet their specs.
• “Apple Fast Charging” or “iPhone Fast Charge” – Some brands explicitly state compatibility.
• Check the manufacturer’s website – If the product page doesn’t mention iOS 13.1 or 7.5W, assume it’s 5W.

If you already own a charger, you can test it: time a charge from 0% to 50% on an iPhone 11 or later. At 5W, that takes about 1.5 hours; at 7.5W, about 1 hour. The difference is small but measurable.

Real-World Charging Speeds

Even with a 7.5W certified charger, the actual speed varies. The iPhone’s software manages power to protect the battery, so it slows down as it gets closer to 100%. Also, wireless charging is inherently less efficient than wired—about 65% of the wall power reaches the battery. That’s why a 7.5W wireless charger feels slower than a 5W wired charger (which is about 80% efficient). In practice, a 7.5W wireless charger adds about 1% per minute for the first 50%, then slows down. A 5W charger adds about 0.8% per minute. The difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

How to Choose a Charger

When shopping, prioritize these factors:

1. Certification – MFi or explicit “7.5W for iPhone” claim.
2. Brand reputation – Well-known brands are more likely to be honest about specs.
3. Return policy – If it doesn’t work, you can return it.
4. Price – Certified 7.5W chargers typically cost $20–$40; uncertified ones can be $10–$15 but may only do 5W.

Avoid chargers that claim “10W” or “15W” for iPhones—those speeds are for Android phones. The iPhone 11 and later officially support only 7.5W wireless charging, even though the hardware could handle more. Apple hasn’t enabled higher speeds.

Common Misconceptions

One myth is that iOS 13.1 “bricked” third-party chargers. It didn’t—they still work, just at 5W. Another is that all Qi chargers are the same. They’re not; the difference is in the communication protocol. Also, some users think that using a higher-wattage adapter (like a 20W USB-C plug) with a wireless pad will speed it up. That’s false—the pad itself determines the output, not the adapter, as long as the adapter provides enough power (usually 5V/2A or 9V/2A).

Safety and Compatibility

Wireless charging is safe, but heat is the main concern. Both 5W and 7.5W generate heat, and the iPhone reduces power if it gets too hot. To avoid overheating, don’t place the phone in direct sunlight while charging, and remove thick cases. Also, only use chargers with the Qi logo—they’ve passed safety testing. Cheap, uncertified chargers may not have proper thermal protection, which could damage the battery over time.

Alternatives

If wireless charging speed matters to you, consider:

• Wired charging – A 20W USB-C adapter can charge an iPhone 11 from 0% to 50% in 30 minutes, much faster than any wireless.
• MagSafe (iPhone 12 and later) – This offers 15W wireless charging, but only on newer phones. It’s not compatible with iPhone 11.
• Battery cases – These provide extra power but add bulk.

For most people, 5W wireless is fine for overnight charging. If you need a quick top-up during the day, a wired charger is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my old Samsung wireless charger work with my iPhone after iOS 13.1?

Yes, it will work, but only at 5W. Samsung chargers are not MFi-certified for Apple’s 7.5W profile, so they’ll be capped at the standard Qi speed.

How can I tell if my charger is actually charging at 7.5W?

Use a USB power meter between the charger and the wall. At 7.5W, you’ll see about 9V and 0.83A (or 5V and 1.5A) drawn. At 5W, it’ll be 5V and 1A. Alternatively, time a charge from 0% to 50%—if it takes less than 70 minutes, it’s likely 7.5W.

Does Apple sell a 7.5W wireless charger?

Apple doesn’t sell a standalone wireless charger, but they sell the MagSafe charger (for iPhone 12 and later) and previously sold the AirPower (which was canceled). For iPhone 11 and earlier, you need a third-party MFi-certified charger.

Is it worth paying extra for a 7.5W charger?

If you charge overnight, no—5W is fine. If you need a quick daytime boost, yes, the 7.5W speed can save you 20–30 minutes. The price difference is usually $10–15, so it’s a personal choice.

Can I use a 20W iPad charger with a wireless pad to get faster charging?

No. The wireless pad’s output is fixed by its internal circuitry. Using a higher-wattage adapter won’t increase the wireless speed; it just provides more headroom. The pad will only draw what it needs.

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in t | Charge time (hours) | hours | 3 | 0
in p | Charger power (W) | W | 7.5 | 5
out eff | Effective power (W) | W | p * 0.65 | 1
out wh | Energy delivered (Wh) | Wh | eff * t | 1
out pct | Battery percent gained | % | (wh / 10.78) * 100 | 0