Apple's iOS 17.4 update added many new features to the operating system. However, one of the most important updates for iPhone 12 owners has been a mystery until now.

The iOS 17.4 update adds Qi2 charging support for iPhone 12 models, Macworld confirmed after receiving user reports and conducting its own tests. With this update, iPhone 12 users can now take advantage of Qi2's 15W charging instead of the 7.5W charging that was forced before the update.

To take advantage of Qi2 wireless charging, users do not need to do anything other than update to iOS 17.4. As long as you keep your phone up-to-date (and own a Qi2 wireless charger), you can start fast charging.

Apple first supported Qi2 charging with the iPhone 15 model, but quickly added support for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 with the iOS 17.2 upgrade last year. At the time, it was unclear why Apple did not extend support to the iPhone 12, or if it was even possible given that the iPhone 12 is an older model. But now it is clear that it was possible, and this feature is now available to iPhone 12 owners.

Apple released iOS 17.4 earlier this month. The update includes a new Stolen Device Protection feature that limits the possibility of someone stealing the device and the user's passcode to gain immediate control of the phone. It also comes with podcast transcripts, new emojis, and a Siri upgrade that allows the virtual assistant to read messages in different languages, among other features.

It is unclear why Apple did not announce Qi2 charging support for iPhone 12 models. It is also unclear if other feature updates that provide improvements to older devices as well have yet to be discovered.

In any case, the addition of Qi2 is a boon for iPhone 12 owners: in Macworld tests, the iPhone 12 took only 38 minutes with Apple's MagSafe charger and only slightly faster with the Anker Qi2 MagGo wireless charger, which was capable of zero to 30 percent As iPhone 12 users can tell you, this is significantly faster than 7.5W charging.

Previously, iPhone 12 owners could use the Qi2 charger to extend their device's battery life, but its support was limited to 7.5W. Now, they can get the most from these chargers without having to purchase anything else.