Qi2 wireless charging standard will be based on Apple MagSafe

The Wireless Power Consortium is coming this year with 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 introducing Qi2 products, says WPC spokesman Paul Golden opposite The Verge.

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

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, according to The Verge, Qi2 will not use the exact same magnet pattern as MagSafe.

The first version of Qi2 remains mainly intended for phones with a maximum charging capacity 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