New Qi2 wireless charging standard to be introduced in 2023, to work even for Android

The Wireless Power Consortium is set to launch this year the new Qi2, pronounced as chee two, wireless charging standard that will "unify" the industry under one global standard.

File photo: MOMAX MagSafe charger on an iPhone 13 Pro

MagSafe technology for all phones?

According to Business Wire, the Qi2 standard to be introduced by WPC later this year will replace its predecessor Qi.

Consumers and retailers have been telling us they're confused concerning what devices are Qi Certified and those that claim to work with Qi but are not Qi Certified. This confusion can lead to a poor user experience and even safety issues, WPC Executive Director Paul Struhsaker said.

Our standard assures consumers that their devices are safe, efficient, and interoperable with other brands. Qi2 will be the global standard for wireless charging and provide consumers and retailers with that assurance, he added.

WPC member Apple provided the basis for this new technology's standard building on its MagSafe technology.

The WPC members developed the new Magnetic Power profile, the core of Qi2, which will ensure that devices with rechargeable batteries are aligned with charging devices for faster charging and improved energy efficiency.

Qi2 standard's launch will also open the market to new accessories that wouldn't be chargeable using current devices.

With improved efficiency and interoperability, Qi2 will enable faster charging for some devices, which will be the stepping stone for further increases in charging speeds that are safe, and energy-efficient.

Qi2's perfect alignment improves energy efficiency by reducing the energy loss that can happen when the phone or the charger is not aligned. Just as important, Qi2 will greatly reduce the landfill waste associated with wired charger replacement due to plugs breaking and the stress placed on cords from daily connecting and disconnecting, said Struhsaker.

Qi2 Certified mobile phones and chargers are expected to be available by the holiday season of 2023.

Are you excited about this?

Source: Business Wire