The first phone with wireless charging was the Palm Pre, released in 2009, which used the Touchstone magnetic charging accessory. This made the Palm Pre the first phone with wireless charging to reach the market, setting the stage for the technology now found in nearly every flagship smartphone.
The first phone with wireless charging: Palm Pre and Touchstone
The Palm Pre launched in June 2009 with a built-in induction charging system called the Touchstone. Instead of plugging in a cable, users placed the phone onto a magnetic dock, and charging began automatically. This design eliminated the need to connect and disconnect a charging cable, making it one of the most convenient phone charging solutions of its era.
How the Palm Pre's wireless charging worked
The Touchstone used electromagnetic induction, the same principle behind today's wireless chargers. The Palm Pre contained a coil that received power from a second coil inside the dock, creating an alternating magnetic field. This system was based on the Qi wireless charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium, which set the foundation for all modern wireless charging technology.
Apple brings wireless charging to the mainstream
Apple adopted wireless charging with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X in 2017. These models made wireless charging a headline feature for millions of users. Currently, any iPhone 8 or later supports wireless charging, including the entire iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 lineup, as well as iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max models.
How to use wireless charging on iPhone
Apple's documented instructions are straightforward: connect the charger to power, place the charger on a level surface, then place the iPhone face up on the charger. The phone should start charging after a few seconds. Apple states that Qi-certified chargers work with iPhone, and with the latest iOS, many Qi-certified chargers charge at up to 7.5 watts. Apple says with the latest iOS, many Qi-certified chargers charge iPhone at up to 7.5 watts. For faster wireless charging, the MagSafe Charger with a supported adapter can charge iPhone 15 and earlier models up to 15W; Apple says MagSafe Charger with a supported adapter can charge iPhone 15 and earlier up to 15W.
How to use wireless charging on Samsung Galaxy
Samsung's support page instructs users to plug the charger’s power adapter into a wall outlet, connect the USB cable to the charger, then place the phone on it. Samsung notes that Galaxy A series, XCover series, and Galaxy Tab series devices are not compatible with wireless charging on that page. For troubleshooting, open the Samsung Members app and go to Get help. Samsung says to open the Samsung Members app and go to Get help for wireless-charging issues.
Wireless charging is a hardware feature, not a software toggle
Neither Apple nor Samsung provides a settings menu to turn wireless charging on or off. Samsung presents wireless charging the same way, as a hardware function, not a toggleable option in the software. This means you never need to locate a setting; simply ensure your phone supports a proper phone wireless charging setup and that your charger is correctly powered, and the phone will charge. To confirm compatibility, Qi Charging: What Is It & Is Your Phone Qi-Enabled is the key question: a Qi-enabled phone will work with any Qi-certified pad, and most modern flagships from Apple and Samsung meet this standard automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add wireless charging to a phone that doesn't have it?
Yes, aftermarket wireless charging adapters or receiver cards are available. These accessories connect to your phone's charging port and add a wireless charging coil, allowing the phone to work with a compatible charging pad when attached correctly.
Is wireless charging slower than wired charging?
In most cases, yes. While speeds have improved, wired charging typically delivers power more efficiently and faster than wireless. However, fast wireless charging standards like MagSafe at 15W approach the speed of many wired chargers for everyday use.
Does wireless charging damage my phone's battery?
Wireless charging generates heat, which can affect battery longevity over time if the phone gets too hot. Modern phones and Qi-certified chargers include thermal management to minimize this, but excessive heat from any charging method can reduce battery life.
Do all Samsung Galaxy phones support wireless charging?
No. Samsung's support page lists Galaxy A series, XCover series, and Galaxy Tab series devices as not compatible with wireless charging. Most Samsung Galaxy S and Note series flagship models do support it.
