Wireless charging has matured and is preparing to take a major leap forward with Qi2., a standard created to solve the typical alignment and efficiency issues that have plagued users of conventional Qi pads. If you're wondering what exactly changes with Qi2, why everyone's talking about magnets, and what real-world power you can expect, here's the complete guide.
Qi2 comes from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and draws directly from Apple's experience with MagSafe., incorporating magnetic alignment as a key component of the process. From the first compatible phones, like the iPhone 15 family, to the new wave of Android phones and accessories, the goal is clear: to make wireless charging more stable, efficient, and, finally, truly convenient for everyday use.
What is Qi2 and where does it come from?
Qi2 is the evolution of the Qi wireless charging standard defined by the WPC, the organization that has coordinated specifications for interoperability between mobile phones and chargers since 2008. The main innovation is the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), a power profile that adds a ring of magnets to the ecosystem to ensure perfect placement between transmitter and receiver.
Apple has been actively involved in the development of Qi2 and its experience with MagSafe has been the basis for the MPP, which translates into bases and mobiles that magnetically "hug" each other firmly and precisely. This not only improves the user experience; it also reduces losses and ensures that power reaches the battery more consistently.
The first devices clearly compatible with Qi2 have been the iPhone 15, and the WPC has noted that the standard is intended for broad deployment across the ecosystem, including high-end Android phones and a growing family of certified accessories.
How wireless charging works and why magnets matter
Wireless charging relies on electromagnetic inductionA coil in the charger creates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in the coil inside the phone or accessory. That current is converted into electricity that recharges the battery, without the need to plug a cable into the device.
In practice, the distance and, above all, the alignment between coils are critical.If the phone isn't properly centered on the base, the transfer becomes inefficient, the charge drops, or it doesn't even start. That's where Qi2 makes the difference: the ring of magnets ensures the "click" right where it should, time and time again.
Less loss means less heat, and less heat means greater efficiency and better battery care. Plus, with reliable magnetic alignment, the typical ritual of moving the phone a few millimeters until the charging icon appears, something very common with classic Qi, is eliminated.
Until now, many Qi bases required resting the device on flat surfaces and with tight tolerances.With Qi2, magnetic docking helps maintain optimal positioning and enables a more diverse accessory ecosystem, from vertical stands to magnetic power banks for your pocket.
Key differences between Qi and Qi2
The big difference is the mandatory MPP (magnetic power profile) in Qi2The ring of magnets ensures exact alignment and is a requirement for using the Qi2 name and logo on certified products.
There is also EPP (Extended Power Profile) without magnets, which may meet parts of the specification and carry the “classic” Qi logo, but is not considered Qi2. In fact, the WPC requires that packaging and promotional materials for these devices clearly state that they do not contain magnets, to avoid confusion with the Qi2 standard.
Backward compatibility is a pillar of Qi2, but with nuancesIn our experience, charging an older Qi-enabled phone or iPhone with MagSafe on a Qi-enabled charger works fine; however, there have been occasional cases of Qi-enabled phones not charging on some older Qi-enabled charging pads. This is worth keeping in mind if you plan to recycle older chargers.
Inside, Qi2 is stricter in certification, authentication and quality control.The WPC aims to curb dubious accessories and establish specific magnet sizes and strengths to ensure a solid and secure hold between the phone and charger.
Power: from 15 W in the first wave to 25 W in the new surge
The initial version of Qi2 sets a power of up to 15 W, a figure suitable for everyday charging and especially useful for desktop or nightstand use. On iPhone, this finally brings the power of Qi2 charging pads on par with that of official MagSafe chargers, avoiding the 7,5W limit that many Qi chargers suffered with previous iPhones.
The WPC has announced the arrival of Qi2 with 25 W, increasing power by 70% compared to the original Qi15's 2W. This leap aims to make certified wireless charging a real alternative to proprietary protocols, with faster speeds and universal compatibility on Android and iPhone.
Not only is it more watts, it's less fragmentationUntil now, wireless "fast charging" on Android has relied on closed ecosystems within each brand. Qi2 at 25W aims to be the first open and verified standard that delivers high speeds without locking you into a single manufacturer.
The signs of adoption are encouragingThere are around fifteen devices already certified and "several hundred" in the testing queue, according to the WPC. The expectation is that major Android manufacturers will join the Qi2 ecosystem with magnetic anchoring, following a similar path to the experience popularized by Apple.
Efficiency, safety and control: what's changing under the hood
Efficiency is Qi2's great triumphWith magnetic alignment, the coils are positioned in their sweet spot, reducing wasted energy and lowering the heat generated. All of this improves the experience and prolongs the health of the batteries.
Qi2 certification raises the bar for safety, including mechanisms to prevent overheating and interference, and a validation process that limits the entry of "pirated" or poorly designed chargers. The goal: for the Qi2 logo to be synonymous with trust.
Authentication also comes into playSome devices may refuse to charge if the charging pad doesn't meet the protocol or exceed Qi2 requirements. It's a reasonable trade-off if we gain consistency, safety, and predictable performance.
Control over the magnets is finerThe WPC defines sizes and strengths to ensure a consistent magnetic connection, stable coupling over time, and a common interface for accessories from different brands.
Compatibility and accessories: beyond the mobile and the flat base
Qi2 was born with a transversal vocationWhile the first wave is focused on smartphones and headphones, the standard is designed to expand to smartwatches and tablets, provided manufacturers implement it in their designs.
The accessory ecosystem is one of the big beneficiariesMagnetic wallets, power banks, car mounts, cases with integrated rings… This reliable lineup opens the door to convenient and secure offerings, inspired by what we've already seen with the MagSafe universe.
Leading manufacturers such as Anker (MagGo) and Belkin have showcased compatible chargers and solutions. at technology fairs, accelerating the availability of Qi2 bases for different usage scenarios: desktop, travel, multi-device, and car.
Backward compatibility makes the transition easierYou can charge non-magnetic Qi phones on Qi2 pads, and use an iPhone with MagSafe on a Qi2 charger; however, speed and performance may vary if one of the pads doesn't support the magnetic profile.
Limitations and realities of wireless charging
Even with Qi2, wireless charging is still generally less efficient than wired charging.. Delivering 65W or 100W wirelessly isn't trivial due to power losses and thermal management; therefore, the standard has chosen to set realistic power and stability targets.
The 15W of the first phase of Qi2 works very well for sustained charging, such as at night or in the office, while 25 W represents an interesting jump to increase battery percentage in less time without resorting to a cable.
There may be exceptions to backward compatibility with older chargers.Some Qi2 phones have shown incompatibility with previous-generation Qi charging pads. If your Qi charging pad is older, it's a good idea to test it before assuming it will charge a Qi2 phone.
The Qi2 magnet pattern does not have to be identical to that of MagSafeWhile Qi2 is inspired by Apple's solution, the standard defines its own framework, which has raised reasonable questions about fine-grained compatibility with previous iPhone generations and how Apple will integrate Qi2 into its next models.
Adoption status: 2024 to the new wave of 2025
Qi2's takeoff during 2024 has been slower than expected.By mid-year, the number of officially certified Android phones was very limited—with the HMD Skyline being a prime example—and major brands like Google and Samsung hadn't made the leap to flagship phones.
Qi2's entry at 25W points to a change of paceWith the promise of an open, fast, and magnetically anchored standard, the WPC anticipates more ambitious adoption by "major Android smartphones" and a carousel of releases already in the certification process.
In terms of accessories, the machinery is already in motion.Brands like Belkin and Anker have unveiled chargers and entire Qi2 product families, paving the way for a broad and mature offering for users when the phones arrive.
If you are coming from classical Qi, the recommendation is to transition to certified Qi2 basesYou'll gain in stability, efficiency, and potential speed, and you'll ensure better support with the next generation of phones and headsets.
Why magnets change the experience (for real)
The great promise of Qi2 is not just power, but rather to ensure that wireless charging always works equally well, without having to "find the right fit." The standardized magnetic ring reduces variables, increases consistency, and brings the experience closer to a "plug and play."
Magnetic alignment reduces losses and therefore temperature, which minimizes thermal throttling and maintains higher sustained power levels for longer. Ultimately, your phone charges faster and suffers less.
With a common magnetic interface, the aftermarket is simplifiedInstead of closed ecosystems and proprietary protocols, Qi2 pursues a shared playing field where the certification logo is your guide to choosing compatible and durable accessories.
Standardization also benefits small manufacturers, which will be able to create interoperable products without having to license proprietary technologies, which often translates into greater variety and better prices for the end user.
In short, Qi2 points to the era of “one magnetic charger for all”: iPhone, Android, and accessories share a common technical base, with proven features and fewer surprises when charging.
If you felt that wireless charging was convenient but disappointing, Qi2 is here to change that perception.: : consolidated 15W power and a new boost to 25W, mandatory magnetic alignment, stricter certification and an ecosystem that finally aims to be universal and consistent across phones, headphones and, soon, watches and tablets.