The Qi2 charging standard was unveiled earlier this year during CES 2023.
The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) introduced the Qi2 (pronounced ‘Chi Two’) charging standard earlier this year as an advancement over the Qi wireless charging standard. This new standard, akin to Apple’s MagSafe technology introduced with the iPhone 12, employs a similar coil for wireless charging and magnet systems. The Wireless Power Consortium aims to create a unified system that can function seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices. A notable feature of Qi2 is the Magnetic Power Profile, ensuring precise device positioning for optimal charging efficiency and speed, as well as brand compatibility for certified devices.
Qi2 charging devices are reportedly in the final stages of certification testing, signaling an imminent official launch. Anker, Belkin, and other accessory brands are expected to be among the first to release products featuring Qi2 charging technology. The Wireless Power Consortium has reported that over 100 devices are currently undergoing Qi2 testing or awaiting certification.
The press release indicates that the iPhone 15 series will be among the first smartphones to adopt Qi2 wireless charging technology. As of now, Qi2 products include chargers and battery packs, with the iPhone 15 series being the exception among smartphones. The compatibility of older MagSafe-supported iPhones with this new standard remains uncertain.
There is speculation that the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series may also embrace Qi2 wireless charging technology. A blog post from the WPC, noted by The Verge, mentions Google senior hardware engineer Liyu Yang as a board member, responsible for the research and development of the next-generation wireless charging technologies for upcoming Pixel products. This suggests that the Pixel 9 series could feature Qi2 wireless charging support.
Qi2, besides incorporating enhanced safety features to prevent device damage and extend battery life, supports 15W charging and features foreign object identification capabilities. The WPC emphasizes that items adopting the new Qi v2.0 Extended Power Profile (EPP) without magnets will not display the Qi2 emblem, making magnets the most noticeable change for consumers.