Apple's iOS 17.2 update includes a hidden benefit for owners of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 series. According to the patch notes for the final version of the new software, it will make both phones compatible with the Qi2 wireless charging standard.

Qi is currently a widely adopted wireless charging system that is used by the majority of wireless charging-enabled cell phones. For example, a recent iPhone can be charged at 7.5W with a typical wireless charging pad and at 15W with a licensed MagSafe charger.

The latest Qi2 standard, announced earlier this year, is largely based on Apple's MagSafe standard, including the magnetic array system and maximum speed of 15W. It is hoped that the magnets will allow other devices that are currently difficult to charge wirelessly, such as smartwatches with curved housings, to be charged at full speed by aligning the charger with the internal charging coil.

The iPhone 15 series is Qi2 compatible right out of the box, so for users who own the latest iPhones, this update will not change anything. While the addition of Qi2 support to older iPhones is welcome, questions remain as to why the iPhone 12 is not getting this update right now. iPhone 12 series is the first iPhone to offer MagSafe, which in theory should also support Qi2 The iPhone 12 series is the first iPhone to offer MagSafe and should theoretically be Qi2 compatible.

Even if you have one of the best wireless chargers, it is unlikely that you have one capable of Qi2 charging; several Qi2 chargers are already available, but most will appear in the next few months as the first compatible devices have been certified since November. This is according to the WPC, the organization that manages the Qi standard.

While Apple has been instrumental in the development of the Qi2 standard, one cannot help but wonder if we will see the company introduce a new MagSafe standard in the near future, perhaps with the iPhone 16 next fall. After all, if MagSafe is to become a de facto open standard, Apple will again want to offer something specific to the iPhone. Especially now that they have moved to wired charging via USB-C, leaving behind the proprietary but outdated Lightning standard.

iOS 17.2 includes other improvements that are immediately accessible once installed. iOS 17's Journal app, which Apple first released this summer, is a quality of life Apple TV and iPhone on-screen keyboard. As with the changes, it is finally available with this update.