Huh? Is this why iPhone wireless charging is bad? What are the charact – NIMASO

Introduction

　Recently, issues like "iPhone 15 overheating" and "iPhone 15 wireless charging inefficiency" have been gaining attention online. It turns out that the smartphone case is to blame... What is the biggest factor affecting wireless charging? Also, is there an ideal MagSafe-compatible iPhone case? What are its features?

Let's take a look at the answer right away! ↓

Clickable Table of Contents

Why iPhone wireless charging is inefficient

How iPhone wireless charging works
Magsafe Wireless charging principle
Heat generation due to poor Magsafe (wireless) charging
Summary: Reasons for poor MagSafe (wireless) charging efficiency
Check out how to keep your iPhone from overheating

Characteristics of an ideal MagSafe case

Frequently asked questions about "Wireless"

Why iPhone wireless charging is inefficient

How iPhone wireless charging works

Mag = Magnet
safe = safety (charging)

By incorporating MagSafe into your iPhone, chargers and cases can be attached to your iPhone using built-in magnets , enabling wireless charging.

Magsafe Wireless charging principle

iPhone 12 built-in magnet image: Apple

Why can it be charged without a cable? Wireless charging (magnetic wireless charging) is based on the same principle as "electromagnetic induction" that generates electricity.

Taking the iPhone 12 as an example, as shown in the image, the iPhone with MagSafe functionality has a circular metal wire built into it. A circular bundle of metal wire is called a "coil," and when a magnet is brought close to the center of this "coil," electricity flows within the coil. This phenomenon is called "electromagnetic induction."

The generated magnetic field interacts with a "coil" in the receiving device, generating electricity and charging the battery.

Also, if the magnet's movement is stopped, the magnetic field lines received by the "coil" do not change, so the current stops.

To ensure proper charging, it's important that the charging contacts are magnetically attached and that the iPhone and wireless charger are not too far apart.

In other words, the reason why iPhone wireless charging is inefficient is likely because the connection is not tight or the distance between the iPhone and the wireless charger is too far.

 NIMASO trivia:
 Image: lab-brains.as-1
 In fact, electromagnetic induction is used in many places, such as power generation facilities, wireless chargers, and IC cards, where electromagnetic induction is most commonly used.
 In order to strengthen the induced current (current generated by electromagnetic induction),
 Increasing the number of turns in the coil 
Moving the magnet quickly
 Strengthening the magnetic force of a magnet

Heat generated by Magsafe (wireless) charging

Image: graniteriverlabs

What you need to know about electricity generation: It's true that electromagnetic induction generates more heat than traditional wired charging.

Things to know about wireless charging: When wirelessly charging, both the smartphone and the wireless charger can keep their "heating temperature" within a safe range (by reducing the current).

Relationship between heat generation and charging efficiency:

Image: iphone-mania.jp

Left: USB-C wired charging; Right: Apple MagSafe wireless charging

The above is the change in iPhone battery charge over the same 30-minute period.

The bottom line: less heat generated is more efficient

Truth: It generates heat because it is inefficient. However, it can also be said that deliberately reducing efficiency helps keep the smartphone's temperature within a safe range.

Explanation of the comparison images:

During the first 0-6 minutes, the temperature rises sharply in both wired and wireless charging, but differences emerge between 6 and 30 minutes. While the temperature continues to rise with wireless charging, the temperature with wired charging peaks after 6 minutes and then continues to decrease.

Overall, wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging, making it less efficient. By reducing the heat generation temperature as much as possible, you can improve charging efficiency to some extent.

When using wireless charging, it is recommended to remove your iPhone case or choose a case that dissipates heat easily.

Summary: Reasons for poor MagSafe (wireless) charging efficiency

① Contact misalignment
② Overheating or insufficient heat dissipation
3) Long contact distance and foreign matter or magnetic influence

Check out how to keep your iPhone from overheating

① Be careful where you place your charger!

Do not place the charger near places that are prone to high temperatures.

② Remove smartphone accessories such as thick cases and back pockets of your smartphone‼

If you have any accessories attached to your smartphone, it may become hotter while charging, so be sure to remove them beforehand.

③Avoid using your iPhone for long periods of time while it is charging‼

Whether you're charging your smartphone or not, it's prone to overheating if you use it for an extended period of time.

Characteristics of an ideal MagSafe case

Magnet included: Securely attaches to iPhone magnet without coming off
Thin and breathable: Reduces heat and increases charging speed
Flat, scratch-resistant back: The magnetic force is strong and the back of the case is prone to scratches.
Another ideal feature: a highly convenient case with a stand that doesn't affect the ring.

NIMASO Recommended Cases

Thin and easy to dissipate heat, N52 magnet fits snugly, comes with a stand for convenience, and lasts a long time with clear display

[The Kikou Magsafe Case, this option takes into consideration the situation in which it is used...]

For details on the NIMASO Kiko Clear Case, click here →

Check the mechanical case

About the NIMASO lottery event

To celebrate the release of the iPhone 16, NIMASO will be holding a prize draw event from August 29th to September 30th. We have prepared some great prizes, and there will be three draws. Join now and you could win new Apple products such as the iPhone 2024 and AirPods 2024!

Link: https://go.nimaso.co.jp/article

Q&A | Frequently Asked Questions about Wireless

Q: Does the card affect wireless charging?

A: Yes, it does have an effect. Bringing a strong magnetic object close to the watch may cause magnetic failure.

Magnetic data on cash cards, credit cards, telephone cards, floppy disks, etc. may be lost.

Q: What precautions should I take when wirelessly charging?

A: Remove all items except the smartphone and case while wireless charging.

Foreign objects such as coins, credit cards, and other metal objects pick up power from the generated magnetic field and dissipate it in the form of heat, potentially damaging both the device and the user.

Q: What are the benefits of MagSafe batteries?

A: Charging without cables is innovative and convenient.