Anker
Is Qi2 a game-changer in wireless charging technology? The latest upgrade promises faster and more efficient charging than ever before, potentially transforming how we power up our devices.
The Wireless Power Consortium’s recent announcement of the first Qi 2.0 devices set to launch before the holidays, with over 100 more in the pipeline, has sparked excitement in the tech world. Qi2 introduces a “Magnetic Power Profile” (MPP), developed with Apple’s MagSafe team, to enhance the alignment of devices and chargers’ coils, allowing for speedier and more reliable charging. Certified Qi2 devices can achieve 15 W charging, doubling the speed of the standard Qi scheme.
This breakthrough means that both Android and iPhone users can now expect 15 W output from Qi2-certified devices, regardless of the hardware manufacturer. No longer are users bound to proprietary chargers for fast wireless charging.
It’s important to note that while Qi2 offers significant improvements, it still falls short of the lightning-fast speeds offered by some proprietary setups. For instance, OnePlus has been selling a 50 W charger for its phones, while Google’s Pixel phones can reach speeds slightly beyond Qi standards (up to 18 W) with a proprietary Pixel charger.
Despite these limitations, a slew of accessory makers, including Anker and Belkin, have prepared their Qi2-compatible products, eager to capitalize on the certification launch. This development may lead to a surge in magnetic charging accessories for Android phones, akin to the frenzy sparked by MagSafe a few years back.
The future of Qi2 looks even brighter, as the Qi2 standards group plans to standardize charging speeds above 15 W by mid-2024, according to a recent interview with the Wireless Power Consortium. While wired charging remains the fastest and most reliable option, Qi2 is undeniably propelling the broader wireless charging market into the future.
