How to charge your iPhone faster – get Apple's new update and spend more money

Apple has released a software update that will let iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X users wirelessly charge their phones up to 50% faster.

Included in the new iOS 11.2 update, the new iPhone models will support a charge rate of 7.5w (compared to 5w beforehand).

MacRumors ran tests on the update and confirmed it was faster. They managed to charge an iPhone X from 46% to 66% in 30 minutes with the new update. They also tried charging at the old 5w speed and found that it took 30 minutes to go from 46% to 60%.

The charging pads Apple sells, the Mophie Wireless Charging Base and the Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Pad, will both be capable of the new charging speed.

Some smartphones, such as the Galaxy Note 8, can wirelessly charge even faster. Samsung's top-end device can charge at 15w, double the improved speed of the iPhone.

iPhone owners who have not embraced wireless charging technology can still charge faster, it will just cost a little extra.

According to the Apple website, the fastest way to charge the new iPhones is to buy a 29W USB-C power adaptor (£49) and a USB-C to lightning cable (£25-£35 depending on length). This set up can charge the 2017 model iPhones up to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Apple is still working on its AirPower mat, which will be able to wirelessly charge multiple devices at once. It will be compatible with the new iPhones and the Apple Watch Series 3. A wireless charging case will also be released for AirPods. It set for release in 2018.

iOS 11.2 has been released to developers and beta testers. It will likely be released to the public in the coming weeks.