China Bans Sale of Apple’s Wireless iPhone Chargers

China has imposed a ban on the sale of Apple’s wireless chargers, citing concerns over interference and the need to preserve the integrity of airwaves.

This restriction will affect Apple’s MagSafe and Qi2 charging platforms, which support up to 15 watts of power and operate at a frequency of 360 kilohertz.

The new regulation, effective September 1, is part of updated wireless frequency guidelines from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

According to the South China Morning Post, the new rules stipulate that only three frequency ranges will be recognized for wireless charging equipment: 100-148.5 kilohertz, 6765-6795 kilohertz, and 13553-13567 kilohertz.

Additionally, the maximum allowable transmission power will be capped at 80 watts.

These measures aim to prevent harmful interference with wireless operations, such as those used in aviation communication, and to maintain the overall system of airwaves.

The new regulations are expected to impact Apple’s wireless charging products significantly, as the company’s 15-watt wireless charging feature relies on the MagSafe and Qi2 standards, both of which operate at 360 kilohertz, a frequency now deemed out of bounds.

While the ban will prohibit the sale of 15-watt wireless chargers, it does not appear to affect chargers purchased before the new regulations come into force.