The wireless charging announcement in early January was quiet, but it was important. Qi2 (pronounced “chee-two”), Next-generation wireless charging for mobile phones and other rechargeable battery devices are emerging.
This follows Qi wireless charging found in phones such as the iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S22 and Google Pixel 7.
The next version of Qi promises to be more efficient thanks to magnets that help position the device in an ideal position on the charging pad. Because that’s essentially what Apple’s MagSafe charging rolled out with the iPhone 12 in 2020. In fact, Apple, one of his more than 350 companies that make up the Wireless Power Consortium, helped design the Magnetic Power Profile, part of Qi2.
Magnetic Power Profile is not exactly the same as MagSafe, but Qi2 could be adopted in more devices such as AR and VR headsets. It may also charge faster. Currently, Qi wireless charging is capped at 15W. Maximum speed of Apple’s MagSafe charging on iPhone.
Apple’s MagSafe uses Qi wireless charging, but magnets allow you to use a variety of accessories.
Patrick Holland/CNET
“Qi2’s perfect alignment improves energy efficiency by reducing the energy loss that can occur when mobile phones and chargers are misaligned,” said Executive Director of the Wireless Power Consortium. said Paul Struhsaker, press release During CES 2023. “Equally important, Qi2 significantly reduces landfill waste associated with replacing wired chargers due to plug breakage and the stress on the cord from daily plugging and unplugging.”
Another advantage of the Qi2 is its accessory possibilities. look at the number of MagSafe and magnetic accessories being made for iPhone todayWe have everything from cases and charging stands to tripod mounts and wallets. Android phones that support Qi2 may benefit from a similar range of accessories.
Given that Android phones come in different shapes and sizes, Qi2 and its magnetic power profile could be an equalizer that makes some accessories interchangeable between different phones and different devices. . Qi2 offers a level of ubiquity similar to that offered by USB-C connectors, without the confusion of various USB-C cable types that all look the same. It’s hard to tell the difference between a USB-C cable that supports Thunderbolt 3 and a cable that supports USB 4.
Qi2’s magnetic power profile differs from MagSafe, which also uses magnets, but in a different arrangement. As a result, it was not possible to attach the MagSafe charger to a Qi2-equipped phone.i have to admit a few things Company makes magnetic cases for Android smartphones This will allow you to use MagSafe.
MagSafe also includes a microprocessor not found in the Qi2’s Magnetic Power Profile, allowing it to know what your iPhone is connected to. For example, when you remove Apple’s MagSafe wallet from your iPhone, it marks the location where it was last attached and can even send a notification that it has been detached from the phone. I believe Android phone makers could add their own microprocessors to the Qi2 to achieve similar functionality.
with EU forces Apple to change future iPhone models From Lightning Wired Charging to USB-C, Qi2 Comes to Apple Roadmap to portless iPhone It’s been rumored for years. And since Qi2 is a standard, it could help Apple avoid potential action from the EU on wireless charging.
Overall, the Qi2 has a lot of potential. It’s also not clear if Apple will replace the MagSafe with Qi2’s Magnetic Power Profile, but it proves that even rival companies can agree on a standard that benefits us all. increase.
