iPhones with wireless charging, model by model

Apple added wireless charging starting with the iPhone 8, released in 2017. Every iPhone model from the iPhone 8 forward supports it — that includes the iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 lines, plus the SE models from the second generation onward (iPhone SE 2020 and later). If your phone was made in 2017 or after and it is not an iPhone 7 or earlier, it almost certainly has wireless charging built in.

The older models — iPhone 6, 6s, 7, and anything before — do not have wireless charging. Neither does the original iPhone SE from 2016. If you own one of those phones and want wireless charging without buying a new device, you would need to add a wireless charging receiver case, though these are less common now and vary in quality.

Key Takeaways

  • Any iPhone from the iPhone 8 (2017) onward has wireless charging built in, including all current iPhone 15 and 16 models.
  • iPhone 7 and earlier models, including the original iPhone SE, do not support wireless charging.
  • All wireless chargers that work with one modern iPhone work with any other modern iPhone — the standard is the same across the line.
  • Wireless charging is slower than wired charging, so it works best for overnight charging or topping up during the day.

How to tell if your specific iPhone has wireless charging

The fastest way is to check your phone's model name. Go to Settings, then General, then About. Look for the line that says "Model" — it will show something like "iPhone 15 Pro" or "iPhone 12 mini". If it says iPhone 8 or later, you have wireless charging. If it says iPhone 7 or earlier, you do not.

You can also look at the back of your phone. iPhones with wireless charging have a glass back panel instead of metal or plastic. The iPhone 6 and 7 have metal backs. The iPhone 8 and later have glass. This is not a foolproof test on its own — some cases hide the material — but combined with your model number it confirms what you have.

What wireless chargers work with your iPhone

Any charger that supports the Qi standard will work with your iPhone. Qi is the wireless charging standard that Apple uses, and it is the same one used by most Android phones and other devices. You do not need an Apple-branded charger — third-party options from Anker, Belkin, Samsung, and many others work just as well and often cost less.

The charger itself is just a pad or stand that plugs into power. You place your iPhone on top of it, and charging begins automatically. Most chargers work through thin phone cases, so you do not have to remove your case every time. Thicker cases or cases with metal components can interfere with charging, so if your phone does not charge on a pad you know works, try removing the case first.

Wireless charging speed compared to wired

Wireless charging is noticeably slower than plugging in a cable. A wired charger can put 20 to 30 watts into your iPhone, while most wireless chargers deliver 5 to 15 watts. This means wireless charging takes roughly twice as long to go from empty to full. For a phone at 20 percent battery, wireless charging might take two to three hours, while a wired charger would take 45 minutes to an hour.

This slowness is why wireless charging works best for situations where you have time — overnight charging, charging while you work at a desk, or topping up while you eat. If you need your phone charged quickly before leaving the house, a wired charger is the better choice. Many people use both: a wireless charger at home or work for convenience, and a wired charger in their bag or car for speed when they need it.

MagSafe charging as an alternative

Starting with the iPhone 12, Apple added MagSafe, a magnetic charging system that is faster than standard wireless charging. MagSafe chargers deliver up to 15 watts to compatible iPhones, compared to 5 to 7.5 watts for standard Qi chargers. The magnets also hold your phone in place more securely, which some people prefer for desk use or car mounts.

MagSafe chargers are more expensive than standard wireless chargers, and they only work with iPhone 12 and later. If you have an iPhone 8, 11, or older 12 model without MagSafe, a standard Qi wireless charger is your option. MagSafe is not required — your iPhone 12 or later will still charge on any standard Qi pad — but it is faster if you want to invest in it.

Charging pads versus charging stands

Wireless chargers come in two main shapes: flat pads and angled stands. A pad lies flat on a table or desk, and you place your phone on top. A stand props your phone up at an angle, which is better if you want to see your screen while charging or use your phone as a clock or video player while it charges.

Both work equally well for charging — the shape does not affect how fast or how well the charge transfers. The choice comes down to how you want to use your phone while it charges. If you want to glance at notifications without picking it up, a stand is more convenient. If you just want to set it down and forget about it, a pad takes up less space. Some chargers combine both — a pad with a removable stand — so you can switch between them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wireless charger through my phone case?

Yes, most wireless chargers work through thin plastic or rubber cases. Metal cases, cases with metal plates, and very thick cases can block the signal. If your phone does not charge on a pad you know works, remove the case and try again. If it charges without the case, your case is the problem.

Is wireless charging bad for my battery?

Wireless charging generates slightly more heat than wired charging, which can stress a battery over many years. The difference is small — your battery will degrade from normal use either way. If you charge wirelessly every night for years, your battery may wear out slightly faster than if you used wired charging, but the effect is minor enough that most people do not notice it.

Do I need to buy an Apple wireless charger?

No. Any Qi-certified charger works with your iPhone. Third-party chargers from Anker, Belkin, Samsung, and other brands are usually cheaper and work just as well. Look for chargers labeled "Qi certified" to make sure they meet the standard.

Will my iPhone 11 charge on the same pad as my iPhone 15?

Yes. All iPhones from the iPhone 8 onward use the same Qi wireless charging standard. One charger works with any of them. If you have multiple iPhones in your household, one wireless charger can charge all of them.

What if my wireless charger is not working?

First, make sure your phone model actually has wireless charging — iPhone 7 and earlier do not. Then check that the charger is plugged in and the light is on. Remove your phone case and try again. If it still does not work, try a different charger if you have one. If a different charger works, your original charger may be broken.