Wireless charging operates through a process called electromagnetic induction. This process allows energy to transfer from a charging pad to the device without the need for a physical connection.

The iPhone 16, like other modern smartphones, uses the Qi wireless charging method. Qi, said "chee," is the most popular way to charge phones wirelessly. When you put your phone on a Qi charger, it creates a special energy field. Inside the iPhone 16, there’s a part that collects this energy and turns it into power for the battery. To make sure charging works well, there shouldn’t be anything blocking the connection between the charger and the phone.

Wireless Charging with a Case

You may wonder whether keeping your phone inside a case will interrupt the charging process. Fortunately, most cases do not pose any issues for wireless charging. However, there are some important factors to consider regarding case materials and thickness.

Material Matters:
Wireless charging works best when there's little to no obstruction between the phone and the charging pad. This means that most non-metal materials, such as silicone, plastic, and leather, will not interfere with wireless charging. These materials allow the electromagnetic field to pass through relatively unobstructed. Therefore, if your iPhone 16 is encased in a silicone or leather case, you should be able to charge it wirelessly without any problems.

However, metal cases are a different story. Metal can block or disrupt the electromagnetic field necessary for wireless charging. Even cases with metal elements, such as magnetic plates used for car mounts, may cause issues with the charging process. It's best to avoid any case that has metallic components when using wireless charging.

Thickness of the Case:
The thickness of the case can also impact wireless charging efficiency. Thicker cases create more distance between the iPhone 16’s internal coil and the charging pad, potentially reducing the charging speed. Standard cases with a thickness of 3mm or less generally work well with wireless charging. On the other hand, heavy-duty protective cases, designed for maximum impact resistance, might slow down or even prevent charging.

If you’re using a thicker case or one with additional materials, such as battery packs, it's worth testing to see if the charging process is still efficient. In many cases, you might find that the charging speed is reduced or that the phone heats up during charging, both signs that the case may be interfering with the wireless charging process.