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It’s time to stop defending slow charging speeds

Robert Triggs / Android Authority We’re fast approaching the launch of the new Pixel 10 series and iPhone 17, and the one thing I’m really dreading is another year of sluggish charging speeds. While Google’s Pro XL model has gradually increased its charging power to a level close to Samsung’s Ultra, the smaller, more popular flagship phones in the US are stuck charging below 25W. Compared to their fast-charging Chinese counterparts, such as the 80W OnePlus 13, these supposed flagships feel pos

Galaxy S26 Ultra charging speed leaks: A big jump (for Samsung)

Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR A leaker has revealed that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could get 60W wired charging speeds. Two other leakers claim that the phone will actually get 65W charging. Either option would be a significant upgrade over previous Samsung Ultra phones, which topped out at 45W. We recently heard that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could finally get faster wired charging, although we didn’t hear about a specific charging speed. However, the same source has now revealed a ke

Wireless Android charging is getting a big upgrade with Qi2 25W

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR The WPC has now formally branded its new high-speed wireless charging system as Qi2 25W. We just saw some of the first 25W-supporting accessories get their certifications. The WPC says that “major Android smartphones” will be using the standard, but we’re still waiting to hear who will be involved. Wireless charging on Android, for lack of a better word, is messy. Even though Android was early to the wireless charging party, Apple has since swooped in

Qi2 25W wireless charging is coming to iPhones and 'major Android smartphones'

The newest version of the Qi2 wireless standard is coming to iPhones and some Android handsets. It has also received a snappy, new branding of Qi2 25W, denoting the wireless charging speed, which is miles better than the previous name of Qi2.2. The big hook here is right in the name. Qi2 25W provides up to 25 watts of power delivery to compatible products, which is a 66 percent increase over the pre-existing Qi2 platform. Paul Struhsaker, Executive Director of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC

This iPhone case switches Lightning ports to USB-C

is a news writer focused on creative industries, computing, and internet culture. Jess started her career at TechRadar, covering news and hardware reviews. The engineer who beat Apple by creating the first USB-C iPhone has now evolved his work into a phone case that switches the Lightning port on older iPhones to USB-C. Ken Pillonel’s latest project aims to fight planned obsolescence by giving people one less reason to replace their old iPhones, and builds on his viral mod from 2021 by improvin

Finally! The Galaxy S26 Ultra could get a long-overdue charging speed upgrade

Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR A new leak suggests the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might support faster-than-45W charging, making it the fastest charging Samsung smartphone ever. Samsung flagships have maxed out at 45W USB PD PPS since 2019, while rivals have progressed to significantly quicker charging speeds but often with proprietary solutions. Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed any specifications for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung is basking in the glory of higher demand for

Lucid Air EVs Unlock Tesla Supercharger Access and Updates for 2026 Model Year

Table of Contents Lucid Air EVs Unlock Tesla Supercharger Access and Updates for 2026 Model Year The Lucid Air electric sedan, often named one of the fiercest competitors to Tesla's Model S, is finally gaining charging network parity. The California-based luxury EV manufacturer is unlocking access to the Tesla Supercharger network of over 23,500 DC fast-charging stations later this month for all of its Lucid Air sedans. The news comes bundled with a host of quality of life upgrades to the Air E

Honda, Acura EVs Can Now Charge at Tesla Superchargers via Adapter

Table of Contents Honda, Acura EVs Can Now Charge at Tesla Superchargers via Adapter Good news, owners of the Honda Prologue EV or Acura ZDX: You now have more than 23,500 more places to charge on your next road trip. Honda has unlocked access to the Tesla Supercharger fast-charging network for the two electric SUVs and is now offering a Honda-approved adapter for connecting to any North American Charging System (NACS) DC fast-charging point. Pioneered by EV giant Tesla before being opened to

Honda and Acura EV owners gain access to Tesla Supercharger network

This currently includes just two vehicle models but lays the groundwork for future growth. Honda and Acura EV owners can now take advantage of the sprawling Tesla Supercharger network with the release of the first Honda-approved NACS -CCS DC fast-charging adapter. This means that Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX owners can join the growing ranks of non-Tesla EVs that you might see filling up at any one of the more than 23,500 selected Tesla Superchargers. "Combined with other growing charging netw

Lucid owners will get full access to Tesla’s Supercharger network on July 31

Lucid EV owners will soon have full access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, which is something that's been in the works since 2023. This goes live on July 31, allowing folks to juice up at more than 12,000 Supercharger stations throughout North America. Some of the company's vehicles can already use these charging stations, with the Gravity SUV gaining access earlier this year. That leaves the Air line of luxury EV sedans. These vehicles will be able to roll up to a Tesla Supercharger for a top

Honda and Acura EV owners can now use Tesla Superchargers

is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Honda has launched a new EV charging adapter that will allow its all-electric Prologue and Acura ZDX to power up at over 23,500 Tesla Supercharger stations. The $225 adapter lets vehicles equipped with Combined Charging System (CCS) plugs use Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) stations, buying Honda some time before it officially builds

Lucid Air owners will soon be able to use Tesla Superchargers — but there’s a catch

Owners of the Lucid Air sedan will be able to charge their luxury EVs at thousands of Tesla Supercharger stations in North America starting July 31, nearly two years since the automakers reached an agreement. But there is a notable caveat: Lucid Air vehicles won’t be able to charge as fast as Tesla vehicles. Lucid said on Tuesday that all Lucid Air sedans, regardless of model year, will be able to access Tesla’s network of fast chargers with an approved adapter that costs $220. Tesla V3 (and ab

Lucid Air owners will be able to use Tesla Superchargers from July 31

Owners of the Lucid Air sedan will be able to charge their luxury EVs at thousands of Tesla Supercharger stations in North America starting July 31, nearly two years since the automakers reached an agreement. But there is a notable caveat: Lucid Air vehicles won’t be able to charge as fast as Tesla vehicles. Lucid said on Tuesday that all Lucid Air sedans, regardless of model year, will be able to access Tesla’s network of fast chargers with an approved adapter that costs $220. Tesla V3 (and ab

Why I pick flexible charging over raw speed every single time

Joe Maring / Android Authority Regular Android Authority readers will know I’m a stickler for brilliant battery life backed up by proper fast charging. And by that, I don’t necessarily mean the faster the better, a battery needs to remain cool too. Instead, one of my top requirements for any phone that claims to charge quickly is that it has to be able to do so regardless of what plug you have at hand. It’s absolutely no good to anyone to boast 100W charging from a specific plug, only for your

The best MagSafe accessories of 2025 for your new iPhone

Anker's MagGo 3-1 Wireless Charging Station for iPhone is still a wireless charging dream almost seven months after my initial purchase, and it's also ZDNET's pick for best wireless charger. This MagSafe charger features 15W charging, offers a stand component for my iPhone, charges all of my Apple devices at once, and folds up easily for quick transport and storage. It also comes with a wall adapter, which isn't always a guarantee. Also: I found a Qi2 charging station that can do it all (and Ap

Subaru’s new Uncharted EV looks like an undercover Toyota C-HR

is transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State. Subaru doesn’t have the deepest bench when it comes to EVs. There’s the Solterra, now in its third model year, and the upcoming Trailseeker, which promises to be the Outback to the Solterra’s Impreza when it comes out in 2026. Now we can add a new member to the lineup. The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is an electric crossover SUV

Best MagSafe battery packs 2025: I tested the best options to boost your phone's battery

MagSafe accessories like MagSafe wallets can upgrade our phones from basic to better. When our phones need a battery boost, most of us can't stay tethered to a wall outlet. Thankfully, with MagSafe battery packs, you don't have to. The battery market is packed with options that can boost your phone's battery life on the go. From portable power banks to wireless charging stations, there's something for everyone. I've personally tested over a dozen MagSafe battery packs from brands like Torras an

Donkey Kong Bananza is already cheaper at Costco

Theis a great desk accessory for charging multiple devices, and it’s currently down to $35.99 ($14 off) at Amazon , which is an all-time low price. The charging station offers a maximum output of 100W, allowing you to charge power-hungry devices quickly. There are seven ports in total — three AC outlets on the back, and four USB ports (two USB-C and two USB-A) on the front. In addition, the charging station offers surge protection and a 5-foot built-in cable, giving you flexibility to position i

Anker’s new charging station battles desktop clutter with two retractable USB-C cables

is a senior reporter who’s been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid. The current trend in USB chargers isn’t adding more power or ports, it’s integrating charging cables that disappear when not in use. Anker was one of the first companies to release a charger with a built-in retractable USB-C cable last October, but its latest charger brings the same convenience to the desktop alongside three AC outlets you won’t

This unique USB-C cable powers three devices at once, and it's my new favorite

ZDNET's key takeaways Perfect way to share 100W of power between three devices. This cable does exactly what it says it will on the box - something that a lot of cables can't claim. Some might find the 65W limit a bit restrictive for charging laptops. View now at Amazon View now at Futurizta more buying choices Over the past couple of years, I've tested a handful of multi-connector USB-C charging cables. You've probably seen them for sale on big-name e-commerce websites, and maybe on social m

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA feels like a real car, not a science experiment

Mercedes provided flights from Detroit to Copenhagen, Denmark, and accommodation so Ars could drive the CLA with EQ Technology. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a marked departure from Mercedes' EV efforts. Instead of a dedicated line of EQ vehicles—like the EQB, EQC, and EQS—we're getting vehicles "with EQ Technology." It started with the electric G Wagon, but the CLA is the first mainstream product to make the change. The thing is that the change is signifi

The Galaxy Watch 8 gets a key battery health feature that more smartwatches need

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch 8 series introduces a “battery protection” feature designed to extend the device’s battery longevity. The feature works by stopping the charge at 90% and only resuming it when the battery level drops down to 85%. This prevents the battery from sitting at a full 100% charge, which reduces stress and helps slow long-term battery degradation. Most people don’t upgrade their smartwatch every year, opting to keep their device unt

Deals: AirPods 4 $90, Apple Pencil Pro $83, M4 MacBook Air $185 off, leather Apple Watch bands 45% off, more

While much of the Prime Day deals have come and gone on Apple’s latest, this morning Amazon decided to bring the AirPods 4 deals back. Both models are now within $1 of the Prime Day all-time lows to give folks another shot at some of the best prices they have ever been offered for. We are also tracking even lower prices on select 15-inch M4 MacBook Air models at up to $185 off as well Apple Pencil Pro from $83 and deep 45% price drops on Burton Goods leather Apple Watch bands. All of that and mo

OnePlus’ 2-in-1 USB cable charges your phone and smartwatch at the same time

is a senior reporter who’s been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid. OnePlus announced a new USB-C charging cable that does more than just pass power and data from one device to another. The OnePlus 2-in-1 Supervooc Cable features an inline pogo pin connector that can be used to charge the company’s OnePlus Watch 3, Watch 2, and Watch 2R smartwatches while also charging a connected smartphone. It’s a more convenie

OnePlus added a proprietary watch charger to its phone charging cable, because why not

OnePlus TL;DR OnePlus has launched a new two-in-one SuperVOOC charging cable. The cable allows you to simultaneously charge a smartphone and OnePlus smartwatch. Expect to pay $29.99 for the new OnePlus charging cable. There are a few solutions if you’d like to charge your phone and watch simultaneously, such as wireless charging pads or adapters with multiple USB ports. Now, OnePlus has revealed a nifty cable as an alternative solution. The company’s two-in-one SuperVOOC cable has a USB-C p

Faster wireless chargers coming to iPhone, but don’t buy one yet

If you’re looking for a faster wireless charger for your iPhone, there are at least eight new models on the way, supporting up to 25W. That’s thanks to the latest Qi2.2 standard, with eight different products being certified yesterday – but even after they launch, you may still want to wait … Qi2.2 means faster wireless chargers Early wireless phone chargers were based on the original Qi standard, overseen by the industry trade group Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). This was an important deve

The deluge of faster Qi2.2 wireless chargers is here

is a news editor with over a decade’s experience in journalism. He previously worked at Android Police and Tech Advisor. Yesterday Ugreen was the first company to announce it had a Qi2.2 wireless charging power bank on the way, but it wasn’t alone for long. The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has already certified eight Qi2.2 products, all from different manufacturers, including power banks, car mounts, and 3-in-1 stands. Qi2.2 is the latest version of the Qi wireless charging standard. Qi2 wa

This 2-in-1 wireless charger simplified my workspace (and freed me from the cables)

ZDNET's key takeaways Twelve South's HiRise 2 Deluxe is available now for $79. It's a premium, 2-in-1 Qi2 wireless charging solution that's as minimal as it is practical. The price point might turn some people off. $72.79 at Amazon I'm a big fan of Twelve South's lineup of premium accessories. In a world full of cheap, disposable chargers and one-and-done cables, it feels good to invest in high-quality accessories with thoughtful design. Case in point: the new HiRise 2 Deluxe charging stand,

Faster Qi2.2 wireless power banks are on the way

is a senior reporter who’s been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid. Ugreen has announced what it claims is the “world’s first Qi2.2-certified power bank” that can wireless charge devices at speeds of up to 25W. Most wireless chargers in the US currently max out at just 15W of power delivery, but the Ugreen MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank will push that to 25W, matching the speed of the updated MagSafe charger Apple i

Rivian supercharges its navigation experience with some of Google Maps’ best features

Rivian TL;DR Rivian is rolling out a new navigation experience powered by Google Maps. It brings improved routing and arrival estimates, real-time traffic updates, satellite imagery, and enhanced search capabilities to all Rivian models. It also includes EV-specific features, like range on arrival, charging stops and preferences, and charging scores. Rivian is giving its navigation experience, both in its vehicles and the Rivian mobile app, a much-needed upgrade. The company has teamed up wi