The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) announced the Qi2 (pronounced 'Chi Two') charging standard earlier this year. It is similar to Apple's MagSafe technology, which debuted with the iPhone 12 and uses a comparable coil for wireless charging and magnet systems. According to the WPC, the goal is to create a single, integrated solution that works with iOS and Android smartphones. However, it has a new feature called the Magnetic Power Profile, which ensures that phones and other gadgets are positioned for the best charging efficiency and speed. It should also assure brand compatibility for certified devices.
Over 100 gadgets are undergoing Qi2 testing or waiting to be certified.
According to WPC, the first Qi2 productions are "completing" certification testing. This suggests that the first Qi2 charging devices, intended to act as the technology's formal introduction, will be available soon. Anker, Belkin, and other accessory companies will be among the first to market with Qi2 charging technology. According to the WPC, over 100 gadgets are undergoing Qi2 testing or waiting to be certified.
iPhone 15 series will be one of the first smartphone models to adopt the new wireless charging technology.
According to the press release, the iPhone 15 series will be one of the first smartphone models to adopt the new wireless charging technology. Except for the iPhone 15 series of devices, we are only aware of chargers and battery packs as Qi2 items. It's also still being determined whether earlier MagSafe-compatible iPhones will work with this standard.
Google Pixel 9 series: Maybe among the first Android phones to use Qi2 wireless charging technology
It's also possible that the future Google Pixel lineup, specifically the Google Pixel 9 series, may be among the first Android phones to use Qi2 wireless charging technology. The Verge discovered a WPC blog post welcoming Google senior hardware engineer Liyu Yang to the consortium's board of directors. According to her LinkedIn profile, Yang has been working on wireless charging methods for Pixel handsets since 2017. WPC reports that Yang is currently in charge of developing the next-generation wireless charging technology for the following Pixel products, implying that the Pixel 8 smartphones may enable Qi2 wireless charging.
The Qi2 platform enables 15W charging, offers foreign object-detection capabilities, and improves safety features to prevent device damage and decrease battery life. According to the WPC, any goods that use the new Qi v2.0 Extended Power Profile (EPP) but do not use magnets will not display the new Qi2 logo. Therefore, including interests will be the most visible change for customers.