Add the iPhone 12 to the list of handsets that support the new Qi2 cross-platform wireless charging standard that’s based on MagSafe. Apparently, Apple gave the older phones support for the newest chargers without mentioning it.
More recent iPhone models already can use Qi2 accessories.
Bonus: Qi2 for iPhone 12 and newer
Qi2 (pronounced “chi two”) brings Apple’s fantastic MagSafe functionality to Android phones and other devices. It allows them to magnetically snap and align to wireless chargers, making for a more secure connection. This, in turn, enables faster charging while generating less waste heat.
The Qi2 standard isn’t a ripoff of MagSafe — Apple assisted the Wireless Charging Consortium in its creation. So it’s no surprise that the iPhone 15 launched with Qi2 support, or that iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 gained the capability with iOS 17.2.
But some people wondered why Apple left the iPhone 12 lineup off the Qi2 list. Those models also come with MagSafe, so adding the new standard would seem like a snap.
Turns out it happened — Apple just didn’t announce it. Testing done by MacWorld discovered that iOS 17.4 added Qi2 to iPhone 12.
To be clear, the magnets built into Apple’s handset from 2020 were already compatible. But the device couldn’t charge at a full 15W, instead being limited to 7.5W. But with full Qi2 support, the wireless charging speed doubled with the iOS update.
Qi2 is expected to unite wireless charging for iPhone and Android, but Samsung skipping it in the 2024 Galaxy S24 dealt these hopes a serious blow. Maybe the Korean conglomerate is waiting for more Qi2 accessories to ship before adopting the standard with its phones.
Bring on the Qi2 accessories
Qi2-compatible accessories are just now coming on the market, and many more are promised to debut soon.
The list of available chargers includes:
