climate change, extensive reforms have significantly mitigated the threats posed by acid rain, particularly in Europe and North America. This outcome resulted from newly implemented policies that curtailed emissions, along with the identification of microbes capable of naturally decreasing the acidity levels in lakes.
Last week marked the certification of the inaugural next-gen wireless chargers, and the new standard has now been officially introduced as Qi2 25W. The updated name will help confirm that we are purchasing the more powerful versions.
The iPhone was the first device to adopt the standard, with Android smartphones now following suit, but anyone considering the purchase of an iPhone 17 might want to wait for the time being.
## A brief recap on Qi chargers
Initial wireless phone chargers were built on the original Qi standard, which was managed by the industry trade organization Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). This was a significant advancement, allowing consumers to buy any Qi-certified charger and be assured that it would be compatible with nearly every phone on the market – including iPhones. However, it was limited to a maximum output of 7.5W, making it not particularly fast.
The Qi2 standard represented a substantial enhancement, particularly since Apple played a role in its development by open-sourcing its MagSafe magnetic attachment system. Qi2 chargers also increased power output to 15W.
Qi 2 25W is the most recent update to the standard, further increasing power to 25W.
## Qi2 25W officially unveiled
Initially, the WPC referred to the new standard as Qi 2.2, but has since concluded that including the power rating in the name is clearer. It is now officially designated as **Qi2 25W**.
The WPC highlights that enhanced speed was the top demand from wireless charger users and assures consumers there will be ample options available.
> Users will be thrilled when they experience Qi2 25W as it provides nearly 70% more power than the original Qi2. The quantity of devices in the Qi2 25W certification queue for launch is unmatched, as is the quality and variety of our members’ product designs.
## But Apple may surpass it
As mentioned last week, however, there is at least a chance that Apple may exceed this with the iPhone 17.
A regulatory listing discovered last month suggested that Apple might be developing a MagSafe charger that supports 45W, as opposed to the 25W maximum of the Qi2 25W standard. Currently, no iPhone supports this speed, but it is possible that the iPhone 17 series will. If that is the case, Qi2 25W chargers won’t be able to support this speed – a new Apple charger would be necessary.
This development wouldn’t surprise me: Apple has been quite liberal in effectively permitting third-party charger brands access to MagSafe, yet it may still reserve an exclusive feature for its own chargers.
Read More**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**
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Read More### iOS 18.6: Emphasis on Stability and Security
Apple is preparing to unveil iOS 18.6, the highly awaited final significant update prior to the major iOS 26 release this autumn. This update is part of Apple’s standard software development routine, which typically features major updates unveiled during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, succeeded by a fall release.
#### Objective of iOS 18.6
The main goal of iOS 18.6, along with other updates such as macOS 15.6 and watchOS 11.6, is to improve stability and security instead of rolling out new features. Apple is concentrating on maximizing performance and fixing security flaws to facilitate a seamless transition to the forthcoming major OS version.
#### Significant Updates in iOS 18.6
As per the official release notes, iOS 18.6 will include vital bug fixes and security improvements. Importantly, it resolves an issue in the Photos app that could inhibit users from sharing memory movies. These updates are essential for preserving the overall functionality and security of iPhones.
#### Modifications for EU Users
Users within the European Union will observe some modifications concerning the installation of third-party app marketplaces and web-based apps. This change signifies Apple’s continuous efforts to adhere to regional regulations.
#### Possible Features and Release Timeline
While there is conjecture that Apple Intelligence may debut in China alongside iOS 18.6, this remains unclear as the release notes mainly focus on U.S. users. The update is anticipated to roll out shortly, with early next week appearing to be a probable timeframe.
#### Final Thoughts
Even though iOS 18.6 might not present thrilling new features, the emphasis on bug fixes and security improvements is crucial for users. Those anticipating new features will need to hold off until iOS 26, which is projected to launch in just a few months.
Read MoreGoogle Photos and YouTube on Wednesday, followed by Google on Thursday, unveiled three new features designed to enhance your online shopping experience in the back-to-school season and upcoming shopping events.
These features may not be entirely new if you have been keeping a close eye on Google’s AI advancements. Some were introduced at Google I/O 2025 and underwent limited testing through Search Labs experiments. Google is now poised to provide a broader audience access to some of the new AI tools related to shopping that have been developed.
Shoppers in the U.S. will be the initial users of the “try it on” and “track price” functionalities. Both AI features will be accessible in Google Search this week. Later in the fall, Google plans to launch a “vision match” tool in AI Mode, which will first be available to American Google Search users. It remains uncertain when these new shopping-oriented AI features will be available internationally.
Hop in, Google, we’re heading out to shop!
Google is debuting two significant shopping features within Search, designed to enhance activities through AI.
In a statement, Google emphasized the rollout of its virtual AI initiative “Try On” for Search users after its preliminary phase in Labs. As of today (July 24), Google announces that users can “upload a selfie and utilize AI to virtually fit into clothing.” The announcement mentions that users can explore new styles through Search’s Shopping Graph, Google Shopping, and image results in Images.
Selecting a shirt or trousers that catch your eye should reveal Google’s new “try it on” option.
