Researchers claim Apple restricts wireless charger speeds in iOS 13.1

Some wireless chargers may be restricted under iOS 13.1. (Source: ChargerLab)

The blog ChargerLab claims to have found that some wireless chargers are being restricted to 5 watts (W) of power while iPhones are placed on them with the new iOS update, whereas the same devices could deliver 7.5W under the older software version. However, this apparently does not affect those brands that are sold in the Cupertino giant's stores.

Deirdre O Donnell, 10/05/2019

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ChargerLab has released the results of a study which, as the blog asserts, shows that iPhone wireless charging speeds can be impacted following an update to iOS 13.1. It is claimed that some chargers that normally charge at 7.5W have their rates cut to 5W under this software upgrade.

The blog displayed some graphs in which it is clear that the charging times supposedly associated with version 13.1 of the OS in question are increased compared to those ascribed to iOS 13. These effects were observed in the latest series of Apple flagships; for example, an updated iPhone 11 appeared to take just over 4 hours to charge on a test wireless pad, whereas it took approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes to do the same under the previous version.

On the other hand, ChargerLab failed to specify which wireless charger it used to conduct said tests, or the brands affected by the restriction they now report. Then again, it has noted that it does not seem to apply to those brands that use the fixed-frequency charging standard recommended by Apple. They include Anker, Belkin, Logitech, Mophie and Native Union - all of which, conveniently enough, have their products sold through the OEM's own retail system.