New Qi2 wireless charging standard will bring MagSafe-like technology to Android phones

Recently, the Wireless Power Consortium announced the Qi2 standard, stating wireless chargers will leverage Apple’s MagSafe technology to offer a new Magnetic Power Profile. The result of this may be more efficient wireless charging as well as the ability to charge other devices such as the batch of Android phones that will be launched in 2024. 

Qi2 wireless charging for Android – what do we know?

The announcement by the Wireless Power Consortium comes close to the CES 2023 event, and it will speed up the need to replace the older Qi standard with this new one. Having said that, the devices that will be able to support Qi2 standards won’t be launched until the end of the year. 

With Qi2, we may find more standardisation when it comes to compatibility and speeds. At this point, the technology can support up to 15W charging. Apple offers wireless charging up to 7.5W, unless it is paired with an official MagSafe product (that have specific magnets). 

Explaining the technology, the Wireless Power Consortium said “Because it doesn’t require a flat surface-to-flat surface connection, the magnetic locking feature supports new product form factors, like an AR/VR headset. It will also support new types of accessories that magnetically attach to the back of the phone, like an extra battery.”

Qi2 wireless charging launch date

At this point, there are no specific timelines regarding when smartphones will start using this technology.