- Qi2 elevates wireless charging with magnets for alignment and new certified 15W and 25W profiles.
- Open and interoperable standard: a single magnetic charger for iPhone and Android without proprietary protocols.
- Adoption on Android with Qi2 and Qi2 Ready phones (S25, Z Fold/Flip 7, OnePlus 13) and the first wave of accessories.
Beyond wattage, the new standard focuses on magnetic alignment to precisely position coils, reduce losses, and improve stability. In practice, this brings Android closer to Apple's MagSafe-like experience and opens the door to a single, certified magnetic system that works equally well with iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, or Xiaomi without relying on proprietary shortcuts. This is Qi2, now available for Android, and here's how to use it.
What is Qi2 and why does it represent a leap forward compared to Qi?
Qi2 is the open standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) that updates Qi with a magnetic profile, called MPP, designed for perfect alignment between charger and mobile device . Apple participated in its development, transferring some of MagSafe's approach to the open Qi standard, making it easier for the entire industry to benefit from this magnetic connection.
Compared to first-generation Qi, the new standard improves charging efficiency and consistency, and since its launch has established 15W as the certified benchmark, moving away from the 5 or 7,5W that were common in initial Qi implementations. This first step forward already translated into shorter waiting times and a more predictable experience.
Another important technical advancement is the increased distance tolerance: Qi2 increases the vertical separation between the coils to approximately 8 mm, compared to 5 mm for Qi1. This is beneficial for thicker cases and more flexible charging docks. This greater flexibility is rarely mentioned in commercial specifications, but it makes a noticeable difference in everyday use.
Furthermore, communication between the device and the charging base becomes smarter. The standard includes bidirectional information exchange to adjust power in real time, improve efficiency, reduce interference on multi-device charging pads, and ultimately optimize the charging process according to the conditions.
Qi2 25W: the upgrade that boosts speed
The WPC has officially announced an upgrade that raises the bar: Qi2 at 25W . The jump from the original 15W represents a 70% increase in power delivery and responds to a clear user demand: wireless charging must be faster without sacrificing convenience or safety.
The consortium claims that 14 products have already been certified and that "hundreds" of phones, cases, and chargers are in the queue to undergo testing. Accessory manufacturers such as Anker, Aukey, Ugreen, and Baseus are among the first to offer chargers and accessories compatible with the new 25W profile, which should accelerate its adoption in the market.
Beyond the numbers, Qi2 25W aims to eliminate the fragmentation of proprietary protocols on Android. The idea is simple: that a certified magnetic charger will always deliver the maximum compatible speed, regardless of your phone, and that switching brands won't force you to replace half your accessory drawer.
Android jumps on the bandwagon: adoption, Qi2 Ready and real-world status
The adoption rate has been uneven. In mid-2024, the presence of Android phones with Qi2 certification was very limited; the HMD Skyline took off as a rare exception and, to make matters worse, showed that some Qi2 devices might not be compatible with certain older Qi chargers, even at lower power levels. It's the exception no one wants, but it's worth being aware that compatibility issues can arise.
The outlook for 2025 is different: the WPC anticipates "large Android smartphones" with native Qi2 support and, above all, the widespread adoption of magnetic docking . This is where the "Qi2 Ready" label comes into play, a certification used by several manufacturers when the magnet is not integrated into the phone's body, but rather into an official case that ensures alignment and compatibility with the ecosystem.
Among the Android devices listed as Qi2 Ready are the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, as well as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and OnePlus 13. Google has stated its intention to embrace the standard, so it wouldn't be surprising to see it in the next generation of Pixel phones, while other brands like Motorola have also shown interest.
MagSafe and Qi2: first cousins, not twins
MagSafe is an Apple system that uses magnets to align the charger with the iPhone , ensuring stable and predictable power transfer. Its practical limit is 15W on recent iPhones, and it boasts a very extensive ecosystem of accessories within the Apple ecosystem.
Qi2, on the other hand, is an open standard maintained by the WPC that incorporates magnetic alignment universally . It works with both iPhones and Android devices, increases the tolerable distance between coils, and is designed to scale power, as demonstrated by the 25W profile. In practice, this makes it easier for compatible accessories to work seamlessly across both platforms.
It's worth noting a technical detail: in addition to the magnetic power profile (MPP), WPC also maintains a non-magnetic Extended Power Profile (EPP) . These products meet Qi specifications, but they cannot display the Qi2 logo or be called Qi2 products because they do not contain magnets. If you see the Qi logo on a package along with a "no magnets" notice, it's an EPP product.
Technical benefits: efficiency, distance and less loss
The use of magnets reduces placement wobble and, consequently, losses due to misalignment. Qi2 aims for very high transfer efficiencies—reaching peaks of 95% under optimal conditions —with less heat and a more stable charging curve. In multi-device bases, it incorporates mechanisms to minimize interference between adjacent devices.
The maximum allowed vertical separation, which can reach up to 8 mm , helps with robust cases and car mounts, and combines especially well with magnetic attachment: placing the terminal "by eye" and having it fit correctly is, literally, the idea.
Thanks to bidirectional communication, the charger and mobile device can negotiate power in flight based on temperature, battery status, or position. If the coil isn't perfect, the power delivery decreases; if everything is in order, it tightens to the maximum certified setting.
Actual speeds: from the base 15W to the new maximum of 25W
Qi2 standardized a certified and consistent 15W wireless charging across brands, a significant leap from the 5–7,5W of the first generation of Qi1. Under ideal conditions, various manufacturers estimate that it is possible to reach approximately 50% in about 30 minutes, although the exact figure depends on the battery, thermal management, and power adapter.
The evolution to Qi2 25W brings the picture in line with 2025 expectations: it reduces waiting times, preserves compatibility, and maintains the security of an open standard. It's not the "100W wired charging" offered by some manufacturers, but the idea isn't to compete with plugged-in ultra-fast charging, but rather to make wireless charging fast enough for more everyday use.
Backward compatibility and nuances worth knowing
In general, a Qi2 charger should power Qi1 or MagSafe phones without issue , and a Qi2 phone should charge on older Qi charging pads (at a lower power). The exception comes with specific cases like the HMD Skyline, which wasn't compatible with some older Qi chargers. The standard includes backward compatibility, but the market reality includes some older, less conventional implementations.
To be on the safe side, always look for official certification , avoid very old charging pads, and use a good power adapter. For "Qi2 Ready" devices, check if the magnetic charging experience depends on a case with an integrated ring; in that case, using the official case usually makes a difference.
Ecosystem and accessories: everything that's coming (and what's already here)
Qi2 promises a single magnetic charger that works for both iPhones and Android devices at the maximum compatible speed. This multiplies charging options at home, in the office, or in the car, reduces cable clutter, and makes it easy to share accessories regardless of the phone brand.
The first wave of Qi2 25W certified products includes familiar accessory brands like Anker, Aukey, Ugreen, and Baseus . These include desktop charging pads, car mounts, magnetic power banks, multi-device charging mats, and, of course, cases with magnetic rings to ensure proper alignment.
Beyond mobile phones, the standard is designed for headphones, watches, and tablets if manufacturers implement it. The goal is for multi-device charging pads to operate more predictably, with less interference and more efficient power distribution.
And what about Samsung, Google, and the rest?
Samsung is part of the consortium and has historically been proactive with wireless charging. With Qi2 25W already in operation and Qi2 Ready certification across its new range , it's reasonable to expect it to refine the magnetic charging experience in its 2025 Galaxy devices. The brand also has a broad ecosystem (phones, watches, headphones) that benefits from more consistent charging across all its devices.
Google has shown a willingness to integrate Qi2 into future Pixel phones, while other players like OnePlus have already implemented it in recent models. The rollout will be gradual, starting with the high-end range and then scaling up to more affordable segments as costs decrease.
Usage tips: safety, placement and power
First, look for the Qi2 certification seal on the base or charger. Avoid products without a warranty, as heat dissipation and communication with your phone are crucial for optimal performance. If you rely on Qi2 Ready, confirm whether you need a magnetic case and ensure it's the official Qi2 case or a certified equivalent.
Place the base on a firm surface, use a sufficiently wattage power adapter , and monitor the ambient temperature. Remove any metal objects between the phone and the charger (coins, cards, keys) to prevent overheating and power outages; with the magnets, any metal piece can accidentally stick to it.
If you're looking for speed, remember that wireless charging isn't meant to beat the most aggressive wired charging. With Qi2 25W, charging times improve significantly for everyday use: work desks, bedside tables, and short stops in the car go from being "maintenance charges" to useful recharges with a real impact.
Quick FAQ
Is wireless charging slower than wired charging? In absolute terms, high-power wired chargers are still faster. However, with Qi2 at 15W, it was already possible to recover up to around 50% in half an hour under favorable conditions, and the 25W profile reduces those times even further in real-world scenarios.
Can I use a Qi charging pad with an iPhone? Yes. iPhones have supported Qi charging since the iPhone 8. However, to maximize magnetic alignment and stability, a MagSafe or Qi2 charger with magnets is the best option.
How do Qi2 and MagSafe differ? MagSafe is Apple's proprietary technology, optimized for its ecosystem with 15W and specific settings. Qi2 is an open standard with magnetic attachment that works with iPhones and Android devices, and can scale up to 25W under certification.
How do I speed up wireless charging? Use a certified charger, a suitable power adapter , avoid very thick cases without a magnet, and make sure the phone is centered. With magnetic systems, the attachment itself helps to ensure perfect positioning.
Is MagSafe only for iPhone? Yes, MagSafe itself is exclusive to Apple. However, the magnetic experience is coming to Android via Qi2, which incorporates magnets and standardizes the attachment across brands.
Quick comparison: Qi1, Qi2 and MagSafe
| Appearance | Qi (gen. 1) | Qi2 | MagSafe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical power | 5–10 W typical | 15W stable; new 25W profile | 15W on recent iPhones |
| Alignment | Manual, position-sensitive | Magnetic (MPP) with clamp | Magnetic integrated into iPhone |
| Coil distance | Approx. 5mm | Up to ~8 mm | Tailored to Apple hardware |
| Ecosystem | Wide, varied | Open and expanding among brands | Deeply integrated into Apple |
A note on day-to-day use: usage scenarios that improve
With Qi2, desktop charging becomes a major advantage: less frequent plugging and unplugging, and more time to simply leave your phone and forget about it. Nightstand charging also benefits, with power levels that allow you to recover a significant portion of the battery without being plugged into the wall. And in the car, certified magnetic chargers bring order to every journey.
On Android, Qi2 also helps manufacturers abandon proprietary wireless protocols that only ran at full capacity with their own branded devices. The fact that the same magnetic charger will charge a Galaxy, a Pixel, or a Xiaomi equally well is, essentially, the most tangible promise of this standard.
Note for the curious: EPP (non-magnetic) vs MPP (magnetic)
If you come across a product with the Qi logo but the label states "no magnets," it's an Extended Power Profile (EPP) product . It meets the Qi specification, but it's not Qi2. Products labeled Qi2 are, by definition, MPP: they include magnets and enable the magnetic alignment experience that defines the next-generation standard.
This nuance explains why you can see very capable bases without magnets that work well with Qi phones, and why not all Qi2 chargers are the same in practice: the seal, the advertised power, and the presence of magnets make clear differences when buying.
Where do the “Ready” accessories fit in?
On some Android phones, the magnetic ring isn't on the chassis, but on the official case . In these cases, the "Qi2 Ready" certification guarantees that, with the case, you'll have magnetic attachment and compatibility with the ecosystem. If you don't use the case, the magnetic connection is lost, and you'll revert to a more delicate placement.
This allows manufacturers to explore slim designs without compromising the charging experience. In return, the user must choose the right case to ensure a secure and optimal charging connection.
Qi2 arrives on Android aiming to combine convenience, speed, and compatibility . The combination of magnets, efficiency improvements, and the new 25W profile makes wireless charging more practical for everyday use, with an ecosystem already making its mark: if you use certified charging pads and choose your accessories wisely, you'll find that simply placing your phone on them is finally a quick and universal way to recharge. Share this information so more users can learn about Qi2 on Android.