Launched a few years ago, iOS 18 introduced several improvements and new features, including a completely redesigned lock screen and home screen and Apple Intelligence. Among these visual changes, Apple also started notifying users when they were experiencing slow charging. Contrary to what it might seem, the Slow Charger message on the lock screen does not mean that there is a problem with your power brick, cable, or iPhone. In fact, this probably means that your iPhone is getting too hot and the system is reducing the overall charging speed until the temperature improves.
With iOS 26, Apple made it clearer whether there was a problem with the charger: If iOS detects that the connected charger is not properly charging your phone, users will see an “Incompatible Charger” message when opening the Settings app and accessing battery information.
Slow charger information usually appears when the ambient temperature is too high, when you charge your phone via a power bank on a hot day, or when you have a charger that barely provides enough juice to your iPhone. That said, if you want to improve your iPhone’s charging speed, it depends on the model you own, the environment around you, and the quality of your accessories, like original or reliable third-party power supplies and cables.
Improve loading speeds on your iPhone
If you have an iPhone 16 or later, you can get up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with a 40W or higher adapter. With a 25W Qi2 charger, iPhone users can wirelessly charge their iPhone up to 50% in 30 minutes. However, depending on ambient conditions, the estimated charging time may vary. For example, if you charge your iPhone wirelessly but use USB-C EarPods or other accessories, charging speeds drop to 7.5W, so Apple recommends removing them to optimize the experience.
Loading speeds may also be reduced if you use graphics-intensive apps or if an app asks a lot of your iPhone, such as a camera, gaming or streaming apps. Additionally, ambient temperature can also affect charging speeds. In extreme temperature conditions, if your phone is exposed to direct sunlight while charging or similar situations, it will charge slowly or not charge at all.
That’s why, once you charge your iPhone, it should be left alone and free from interference from apps, accessories, or extreme heat. After all, it’s natural for the phone to heat up slightly while it’s charging, especially with a MagSafe connection, but if it gets too hot, it won’t go anywhere. In addition to this, Apple recommends that users have a 7.5W or higher charger. If you try to use the company’s older 5W charger, your iPhone will still charge, but it will be much slower than with a more modern option.
