Qi2 brings MagSafe’s best feature to non-Apple wireless chargers

Wireless charging has been around for years. However, it wasn’t until Apple announced its MagSafe tech in 2020 that non-enthusiasts took an interest, and brands started taking notes. This was because MagSafe solved one of the biggest pain points with wireless charging – alignment.

MagSafe allowed wireless charging smartphones to snap in the perfect position to efficiently charge, eliminating loose connections or issues like super-slow charging. Now, magnetic locking is set to come to a lot more devices with the Qi2 standard.

Succeeding the Qi wireless charging standard that was introduced in 2008, Qi2 brings a lot of improvement that will make wireless charging not only faster, but easier. The first Qi2-based devices are now available, and the new standard is set to be incorporated into many devices over the next few years. Ahead of the influx of more Qi2 tech, here are its best features we expect to become more common soon.

Magnetic locking

Magnetic locking will be standardised with Qi2, and more chargers will support magnetically snapping devices into place while charging. This will allow users to finally leave their devices on a wireless charging dock or mat, without needing precise alignment. Moreover, the tech may also be a steppingstone for new form factors in wireless charging, where devices are tethered and not just placed.

Faster, safer charging

Qi2 will also bring faster wireless charging support. While the first-gen Qi standard was maxed out at 15W, a ridiculously slow speed in 2023, Qi2 will eventually support faster charging speeds; eventually, because the new standard is likely to still kick off with 15W wireless charging.

Qi2 will also be safer. This is because Qi2-certified products will have to be also certified by the WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) for quality. This includes elements like the magnets being strong enough to attach phones perfectly, as well as a layer of authentication between phone and charger to ensure compliancy. This will allow users to pick up any product with a Qi2 certification and rest assured of quality.

New products and accessories

The Qi2 standard will bring wireless charging to more devices beyond smartphones and wearables. The standard is expected to spearhead wireless chargers for AR/VR headsets. We could also see new accessories like extra batteries, or even furniture with integrated wireless charging.

ALSO READ: 5 best wireless chargers to buy for your Android or iPhone

Lastly, Qi2-certified chargers will also be backwards compatible with Qi-certified phones and accessories. However, you’re likely to only get the optimal speed and full range of features when pairing two devices with the Qi2 standard.

When can you find Qi2-based products?

Accessory makers like Anker and Mophie have already begun announcing products with the Qi2 standard, which was first announced earlier this year in January. The standard is expected to make its way to upcoming flagship phones and other devices over the next few months.

Brands like Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Microsoft and Google are just some names among the 344 members of the WPC. Its safe to bet that most of these companies will have Qi-based products launching over the next few years.

But all that will only matter if you’re someone convenience over performance. Let’s face it – wireless charging is not going to keep up with today’s wired charging speeds of over 100W anytime soon. But in a world where wired charging speeds reign supreme, the possibilities opened up by the Qi2 standard may just be enough to push people into opening up to wireless power.