Qi2 Wireless Charging: Everything You Need to Know
â–Ľ Summary
– The Wireless Power Consortium released the Qi2 standard in April 2025, enabling faster wireless charging speeds.
– Qi2.2 supports up to 25W charging, a significant increase from the previous 15W maximum rate.
– The standard incorporates magnets to ensure proper alignment between devices and chargers for optimal performance.
– Apple contributed MagSafe technology to the Qi2 standard, which has become standard on iPhones and is expanding to Android devices.
– Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL supports Qi2.2 25W charging, while the Pixel 10 family features a MagSafe-compatible alternative called PixelSnap.
The new Qi2 wireless charging standard represents a major leap forward for cord-free power delivery, finally closing the gap with the speeds many have come to expect from traditional wired connections. Officially unveiled by the Wireless Power Consortium, this updated specification enables devices to charge at up to 25 watts, a substantial increase from the previous 15-watt maximum that had defined the standard for nearly a decade. This boost in power translates to significantly reduced charging times for compatible smartphones and other gadgets, making wireless charging a much more practical option for users with busy lifestyles.
A key feature carried over and refined in the new standard is the integration of magnets for perfect alignment. This technology, which many consumers first encountered with Apple’s MagSafe system on the iPhone 12, ensures that a device snaps securely into the ideal position on a charging pad. This precise placement is crucial for achieving the fastest possible charging speeds and maximizing efficiency. Apple played a pivotal role in popularizing this magnetic approach and contributed to its adoption as a core part of the universal Qi2 specification.
The expansion of Qi2 compatibility is another significant development, moving beyond the Apple ecosystem. Major Android manufacturers are now integrating support for the magnetic wireless standard into their flagship devices. Google’s Pixel 10 series, for example, features its own MagSafe-compatible system dubbed PixelSnap. The top-tier model in that lineup, the Pixel 10 Pro XL, is confirmed to fully support the accelerated 25-watt charging offered by the latest Qi2 specification, signaling a new era of fast, convenient, and universally compatible wireless power.
(Source: The Verge)
