The charging of phones and digital gadgets is now smart and efficient.
Qi2 wireless charging is on the horizon, but what sets it apart from its predecessor?
Having made its debut in 2009, Qi (pronounced “chee”) wireless charging was crafted by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) as a universal solution for both OEMs and third-party accessory manufacturers. Over the years, Qi has become the standard for charging various Android and iOS devices.
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Despite its widespread adoption, the emergence of Apple’s MagSafe charging, featuring a magnetic ring facilitating alignment with iPhones and enhanced 15W charging speeds, has left conventional Qi-certified chargers seeming somewhat outdated. On the Android front, proprietary charging methods like those pioneered by OnePlus and Google have outpaced traditional Qi standards.
In an effort to bridge this gap and establish an upgraded and efficient wireless charging standard, the WPC unveiled Qi2 (pronounced “chee two“) in November 2023, promising “faster charging, higher efficiency, and greater convenience.”
How Fast Is The Wireless Qi12 Smart Charger?
Curious about the speed of the latest wireless charging standard?
Qi2 introduces a new magnetic power profile modeled after Apple’s MagSafe protocol, aiding users in optimal smartphone alignment for efficient wireless conduction—a notable challenge with non-magnetic Qi-based chargers.
Reportedly, Qi2 boasts up to 15W wireless charging, doubling the standard 7.5W of Qi. It’s crucial to note that not all handsets may support this maximum charging rate, as it ultimately depends on the manufacturer’s choices, hardware preferences, and overall phone design.
For Android users, this translates to quicker and more straightforward wireless charging, although no company has officially announced this feature yet. On the iPhone front, Qi2 promises MagSafe-level charging for certified third-party products from reputable brands like Anker and Belkin at a more affordable price.
Currently, the Qi2 standard is supported by three iPhone models: the iPhone 13 (excluding the mini variant), the iPhone 14, and the iPhone 15. In fact, the confirmation of Qi2 charging for older iPhone models was found in the iOS 17.2 Release Candidate’s changelog.
Where can you purchase the Qi2 wireless charger?
If you own any of the aforementioned iPhones (or plan to acquire a compatible Android device in the future), you should be able to harness up to 15W of power through a Qi2-certified charger. However, there’s a catch.
Even if you opt for a Qi2-compatible wireless charger, no products are currently available. According to a statement from Paul Golden of the WPC, as reported by The Verge, six brands, including Belkin and Anker, have received certification, and their products are slated to hit the market in December 2023. Anker has confirmed that its MagGo products support 15W charging for compatible iPhones.
Looking ahead to Android phones, we can anticipate the incorporation of Qi2 technology in 2024 by companies such as Samsung and Google, likely with the release of the Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 9 series. Although current Android flagship models support Qi wireless charging, they lack a robust magnetic arrangement for securing proper alignment between the charger and phone.
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Features and benefits of Qi12 smart charger
The features and benefits a smart wireless charger might have are based on current trends and technologies.
These include:
- Charging Speed:
- Qi2 is expected to offer faster charging speeds compared to its predecessor, potentially supporting up to 15W wireless charging. This means quicker and more efficient power delivery to compatible devices.
- Magnetic Power Profile:
- The Qi12 may incorporate a magnetic power profile, drawing inspiration from Apple’s MagSafe protocol. This feature aids in optimal device alignment, ensuring efficient wireless conduction. The magnetic arrangement addresses alignment issues commonly faced by non-magnetic Qi-based chargers.
- Compatibility:
- The Qi12 charger is likely to be compatible with a range of devices, including iPhones and Android smartphones that support the Qi2 standard. This could include popular models from manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Google, and others.
- Certification:
- It’s important for the Qi12 charger to be Qi2-certified by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Certification ensures that the product meets industry standards for safety and performance.
Benefits of Having a Qi12 Smart Wireless Charger:
- Faster Charging:
- Qi12’s higher charging speeds contribute to reduced charging times, providing a more convenient and efficient charging experience.
- Optimal Alignment:
- The magnetic power profile ensures that devices are properly aligned on the charger, optimizing charging efficiency and reducing the chances of misalignment issues.
- Universal Compatibility:
- Qi wireless charging standards are typically universal, allowing the Qi12 charger to be compatible with a wide range of Qi-enabled devices, regardless of the manufacturer.
- Third-Party Support:
- Qi2 standard support on iPhones means that certified third-party products from well-known brands like Anker and Belkin may offer MagSafe-level charging at a more affordable price.
- Future-Proofing:
- Investing in a Qi12 charger could future-proof your charging setup, ensuring compatibility with upcoming smartphone models that adopt the Qi2 standard.
Remember, for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the Qi12 smart wireless charger, it’s recommended to check the official announcements from the Wireless Power Consortium, the manufacturer’s website, or reputable tech news sources.