Summary
- Qi2 wireless charging is expected to launch on Samsung and Google phones later this year.
- Qi2 was announced two years ago as a faster, more efficient wireless charging standard, offering up to 15W of charging power with magnetic rings.
- Apple has so far been the only major phone maker to implement the technology with its MagSafe wireless chargers.
Qi2 wireless charging for Android seems to be a thing. It’s been two years since it was first announced, but better late than never. And it seems Samsung And Google phones will be the first to get it.
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I’m excited to see Qi2 bring these MagSafe accessories to Android
Qi2 is coming to Android phones, and it’s not just about charging
The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) confirmed the news at CES 2025 (via 9to5Google). Samsung and Google have officially committed to the standard, and Qi2 could finally expand beyond the small walled garden of Apple, which has been the only major phone maker with the technology since 2023.
It’s a MagSafe moment for Android
Qi2 represents a generational leap in wireless charging compared to the original Qi standard. It’s faster and more efficient, with speeds of up to 15W of charging power. It uses magnetic rings for alignment, which improves efficiency because no power loss due to misalignment. Android support for the Qi2 standard has been limited so far, with Apple practically owning the field with its MagSafe chargers.
Samsung has said its Galaxy phones are expected to adopt Qi2 wireless charging later this year, and Google has said it will play a key role in advancing the technology through its engineering and research capabilities. It’s unclear whether the Qi2 magnetic rings will appear in the Galaxy S25 series launching this month. The S25 is rumored to support Qi2 in special cases, but native Qi2 support may have to wait until the S26.
Google’s role is still unclear
Google said it was leading the development of Qi 2.2. This includes higher wireless charging capabilities based on Google’s Pixel Stand technology. Google’s contribution will allow chargers and devices from different manufacturers to use the faster Qi2 speeds, which is one of Android’s long-standing limitations compared to Apple’s MagSafe.
2025 could turn out to be a great year for MagSafe-type magnetic systems. wireless charging. Galaxy and Pixel users can finally benefit from technology that Apple users have enjoyed for years.
Google Pixel Stand (2nd generation)
The Google Pixel Stand (2nd generation) is a Qi-certified charger that lets you charge phones and accessories from other manufacturers. It lets you use your Pixel phone as a Nest Hub to control your connected camera, lights, and more. Still, what sets this stand apart as the best Pixel 6 and 6 Pro wireless charger is that it’s the only one that lets you charge your phone at its maximum speed of 21W or 23W.
