The launch of the iPhone 16 has brought a long list of innovations, not all of which were explained during the presentation. Some of them don’t even appear on the specification pages. This includes the increase in fast charging speed and improvements in 5G connectivity, areas in which Apple has historically been discreet, but which receive updates with the new models.
Fast charging up to 45W: a leap in efficiency
According to a new certification from the China Quality Certification Center (CQC) discovered by ShrimpApplePro, all iPhone 16 models support fast charging via USB-C port with up to 45W cable. This is a significant improvement compared to iPhone 15 models, which reached a maximum of 27 to 29W—a 50% increase.
Apple has mentioned that with MagSafe, the iPhone 16 can reach up to 25W with the appropriate adapter, but the company has not made any official comments about wired charging. Officially, the iPhone charges at 20W, while empirically, we know it gets closer to 30. So, although it doesn’t surprise us that Apple has overlooked this detail, the possibility of charging at 45W, compared to the 27W of the iPhone 15, will allow us to enjoy significantly shorter charging times.
Faster 5G thanks to the new Snapdragon X75 modem
One of the improvements of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is the inclusion of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem, which offers significantly superior 5G performance. According to data from SpeedSmart, initial tests show a 23.7% increase in 5G download speeds compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
This new modem improves download and upload speeds, an aspect often overlooked but essential for a smooth connection. Upload speeds have increased by 22.1%, with averages now exceeding 30 Mbps.
The Snapdragon X75 also includes improvements in energy efficiency and support for carrier aggregation, which translates into a better 5G experience, with lower battery consumption and faster charging speeds.
While the AirPods 4 hide a couple of secrets and Apple has preferred to focus on other aspects during the official presentation of the iPhone 16, the improvements in fast charging and 5G connectivity will not go unnoticed. We are facing devices that are much faster in two important aspects of our daily life with them. Something that may not have caught the general public’s attention, but that contributes to making these very, very interesting phones.
