Next version Qi can charge devices from 4.5 centimeters away

The next Qi wireless charging standard extends the distance at which users can charge a device from 0.7 to 4.5 centimeters. That’s because version 1.2 officially no longer uses induction, but magnetic resonance.

Qi 1.2 and the current version 1.1 are compatible, so 1.1 chargers work with new devices and new chargers can also charge devices with Qi 1.1, says the WPC, the partnership behind the wireless charging standard. This is not surprising, because both systems work with coils in both the charger and the device to enable wireless charging.

The fact that both systems are compatible is probably because Qi 1.1 could also use magnetic resonance. The difference between magnetic resonance and induction is that with magnetic resonance capacitors, both coils resonate at the same frequency. This makes it possible for a single coil to charge multiple devices, something that is not possible with induction. Both technologies are far from new, but electronics makers are trying to make them work in more devices through partnerships like the WPC. There are several standards that compete with each other.

Manufacturers already have hardware based on Qi 1.2, but when it will be released is unknown. It is also unknown whether consumers can see whether a particular charger or device is based on Qi 1.1 or 1.2.