Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 series, featuring bigger batteries and quicker charging options. Although Apple did not disclose the precise battery size or charging speed for the new iPhones, a regulatory filing from China indicated that all iPhone 16 models support charging speeds of up to 45W. This should, in theory, result in significantly faster charging compared to previous models.
Testing Charging Speeds
Despite this potential for speed, it turns out that the actual performance may not meet expectations. ChargerLAB conducted extensive tests to see how quickly the new iPhones can charge. The findings were rather disappointing.
ChargerLAB noted that the iPhone 16 lacks an E-marker chip, which is essential in USB Type-C cables for managing power delivery and data communication. This chip is typically found in USB-PD chargers that can provide higher current output and faster data transfer rates.
Results with Apple Chargers
In tests with Apple's official 140W charger and the included cable, the iPhone 16 Pro Max charged at only 30.19W, well below the claimed 45W charging speed. ChargerLAB's recorded speeds with other Apple chargers can be seen in the accompanying image. Thus, it appears that the charging speed for the iPhone 16 Pro Max is capped around 30W, which is just a slight increase from the 27W charging speed of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While this is an enhancement, the advertised 45W charging speed may mislead those looking to upgrade to the latest models.
ChargerLAB also tested third-party chargers, achieving a maximum charging speed of 31.86W, quite similar to the results with official Apple chargers.
Conclusion
In summary, the charging speed for the iPhone 16 Pro Max seems to be limited to around 30W, providing only a minor improvement over the previous iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 27W rating. Even though there is some progress, the claimed 45W charging speed can create false expectations for potential buyers considering an upgrade to the newest models.
