Apple releases iOS 17.2 update for select users: includes Qi2 wireless charging and other updates

Apple has released the fourth beta versions of iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2, focusing on improving compatibility with the Qi2 wireless charging standard for iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series smartphones.

In Short

• The iPhone 15 series already supports Qi2.
• The upcoming update will extend this support to the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Pro models.
• The iOS 17.2 RC update is expected to roll out to iPhone users as early as next week.

Apple has recently released the fourth beta versions of iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2 for developers to test, signalling the availability of the final software versions to the public soon. The iOS 17.2 update focuses on improving compatibility with the Qi2 wireless charging standard, specifically for iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series smartphones.

In the official patch notes from Apple, as shared by 9 to 5 Mac, the company has confirmed that the iPhone 15 series, comprising the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, already supports the Qi2 charging standard. The upcoming update will further extend Qi2 support to the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Pro models.

What is Qi2

Qi2 is the next generation of the Qi wireless charging standard. It adds a MagSafe-like ring of magnets to the Qi standard, which allows for faster and more convenient charging. Qi2 also increases the maximum charge rate to 15W, which is significantly faster than the current 7.5W maximum for Qi.

For iPhone users, Qi2 means that users will be able to get MagSafe-speed charging without having to pay MagSafe prices. This is because any Qi2-certified charger will be able to charge an iPhone at 15W, even if it is not MagSafe-certified. This means that iPhone users will be able to save money on wireless chargers without sacrificing charging speed.

On the other hand, Qi2 technology for Android phones allow users to have access to the same fast, convenient wireless charging that iPhone users have been enjoying with MagSafe. This is because Qi2 is an open standard, so any Qi-certified wireless charger will be able to support Qi2. This means that there will be a wide variety of Qi2 chargers available at a variety of prices.

Nevertheless, with the release of iOS 17.2 RC to developers and public beta testers, the report suggests that the update will be rolled out to the iPhone users as early as next week.

In addition,to the Qi2 technology, the 17.2 update also includes new features like the Journal app, enhancing the capability of the iPhone 15 Pro to capture spatial video, translation option for the Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro models, and more.

New features in iOS 17.2

1. Journal: Journal is a new app designed to help users cultivate gratitude and enhance well-being through reflective writing about both the small moments and significant events in their lives. Intelligent journaling suggestions organize outings, photos, workouts, and more into easily accessible moments for the user's journal. The inclusion of filters allows users to swiftly locate bookmarked entries or those with attachments, facilitating the revisiting and contemplation of key life moments. Scheduled notifications encourage a consistent journaling practice by reminding users to write on chosen days and times. The app also offers the option to secure the user's journal with Touch ID or Face ID, ensuring privacy. Additionally, iCloud sync safeguards and encrypts journal entries for peace of mind.
2. Action Button: The Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a Translate option, enabling users to quickly translate phrases or engage in conversations in another language.
3. Camera: The Camera feature on these models introduces spatial video capture for reliving memories in three dimensions through Apple Vision Pro. There is also an improvement in the Telephoto camera's focusing speed when capturing small, faraway objects.
4. Messages: In the Messages app, a new catch-up arrow simplifies navigation to the first unread message in a conversation, and the context menu includes an option to add stickers directly to a message bubble. Memoji updates allow users to customize body shape, and for enhanced security, Contact Key Verification provides automatic alerts and Contact Verification Codes to ensure secure communication for individuals facing digital threats.
5. Weather: The Weather update offers users comprehensive precipitation details for the next 10 days, keeping them well-informed about rain and snow conditions. New widgets allow users to personalize their displays with next-hour precipitation, daily forecasts, sunrise and sunset times, as well as current conditions like Air Quality, Feels Like, and wind speed. The wind map snapshot feature provides a rapid overview of wind patterns, and an interactive moon calendar allows easy visualization of the moon's phase for any day in the next month.

Published By:
Divya Bhati
Published On:
Dec 6, 2023