Qi2 standard for wireless charging will be based on Apple MagSafe

This year, the Wireless Power Consortium will release a new version of the Qi standard for wireless charging. According to the consortium, this Qi2 standard is based on Apple’s MagSafe technology. The first Qi2 products will be released at the end of this year.

The new standard replaces the existing Qi standard, which is used in many smartphones, reports the Wireless Power Consortium. Qi2 aims to provide “one universal wireless charging standard for the entire industry.” Companies such as Apple and Samsung are launching Qi2 products, says WPC spokesman Paul Golden opposite The Verge.

The WPC is developing the Qi2 standard together with Apple and other consortium members, which also includes smartphone makers such as Samsung, OnePlus and Xiaomi. According to the WPC, the new standard builds on MagSafe, which was reintroduced by Apple with the iPhone 12 in 2020.

Part of Qi2 will be a Magnetic Power Profile. This should ensure that phones and other wirelessly charging devices are always perfectly aligned with the charger. Apple does the same with its MagSafe chargers. However, Qi2 will not use exactly the same magnet pattern as MagSafe, according to The Verge.

The first version of Qi2 remains mainly intended for phones with a maximum charging power of 15W, the WPC reports to The Verge. After completing this first version, the consortium will continue with a next version with a higher payload. The standard may also be expanded later to support devices without a flat charging surface, such as smartwatches. The first version of the Qi2 standard will be completed by the middle of this year and the first Qi2 smartphones and chargers should appear ‘before the holidays’.

Source: Apple