The Wireless Power Consortium promised Wednesday that the first chargers using the emerging Qi2 standard will be on the market in time for the holiday season.
Qi2 unifies wireless charging for iPhone and Android, bringing the advantages of Apple’s MagSafe to rival handsets.
Qi2 brings benefits for iPhone and Android
Apple adopted the original Qi standard with the iPhone 8, but significantly improved it with MagSafe starting with the iPhone 12. The alternative version puts magnets around the wireless charging coil to automatically align the iPhone to compatible accessories.
The WPC likes the idea so much it incorporated it into Qi2, which was unveiled in early 2023. But this isn’t the trade group ripping off Apple’s idea: The iPhone-maker helped develop the new standard.
The consortium’s goal is that Android makers will adopt Qi2 just as they did the initial version. Then accessory-makers will be able to produce wireless charging mats, stands, etc. that iPhone and Android devices can take full advantage of.
For iPhone users, the new standard means MagSafe-equivalent accessories will be more widely available and (probably) cheaper.
Bring on the products
Photo: Belkin
The WPC’s promise that “the first Qi v2.0 Certified products will be available in time for the holiday season” doesn’t come with specifics. But Belkin, mophie, Anker and Aircharge have all pre-announced Qi2 products.
“We are thrilled to see our members rapidly embracing Qi v2.0 and building ecosystems of accessories for Qi2 devices,” said Fady Mishriki, the chair of the WPC’s Board of Directors. “We fully expect to see Qi v2.0 quickly become the de facto global standard for wireless charging.”
Technically, the first Qi2-compatible products are already on the market. The iPhone 15 series supports the new standard.
