In a move that could significantly impact Apple’s wireless charging technology in China, the country’s regulators plan to ban many wireless chargers, including Apple 15-watt MagSafe and Qi2 models, because of new radio-frequency rules, a new report said Tuesday. Why? Apparently it’s to “maintain the order of airwaves.”
China ban on wireless chargers will hit Apple 15-watt models (MagSafe, Qi2)
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said the new regulations aim to “avoid harmful interference of radio operations” and “maintain the order of airwaves,” according to a report in the South China Morning Post. While the rules will not affect the use and sale of existing products before the regulations go into effect at the start of September, they represent a significant shift in the regulatory environment for wireless charging technology in China.
The Chinese ministry updated its radio frequency management regulations effective September 1, 2024. The new rules specify only three allowed frequency bands for mobile and portable wireless charging equipment: 100-148.5kHz, 6765-6795kHz and 13553-13567kHz. Additionally, the regulations cap the rated transmission power at 80W.
This development poses a direct challenge to Apple’s 15W wireless charging feature, which relies on the company’s proprietary MagSafe technology and the Qi2 standard. Both MagSafe and Qi2 operate at 360kHz, a frequency that falls outside the newly permitted range.
Significant implications for Apple
In one of the world’s biggest markets for electronics, the ban may hit Apple pretty hard:
- Will cease local production and imports of non-compliant wireless charging devices as of September 1.
- Affects Apple’s MagSafe technology, widely used in iPhone 12 and later models.
- Prohibited devices include Apple chargers with Qi2 wireless charging, an upgraded version of the Qi interface standard used in iPhone 8 and later models.
China ban on wireless chargers: iPhones not affected
Currently, iPhones in China support wireless charging at 7.5W, operating at 127.7 kHz frequency. While this lower-power option complies with the new regulations, it results in significantly longer charging times compared to the 15W chargers.
The timing of this regulatory change is noteworthy, as it comes just days before Apple’s biggest product launch of the year on September 9, where the company is expected to unveil its iPhone 16 models along with new Apple Watches and AirPods.
The development adds to the growing list of compliance challenges faced by foreign electronics companies in China. As Apple continues to navigate the complex regulatory landscape in one of its largest markets, the company may need to adapt its wireless charging technology specifically for the huge Chinese market or face potential sales restrictions on some of its popular accessories.