Other improvements Qi2 brings over Qi include wider device compatibility (from tablets to wearables), adaptive charging so chargers can talk to devices to supply the power they need instead of having a fixed power output, and enhanced safety with better heat management and foreign object detection.
What Is Qi2 25W?
The first major update for the Qi2 standard is Qi2.2.1, which the WPC is branding as Qi2 25W. While it won’t do anything to clarify the wireless charging scene, it is set to enable a host of improvements:
- Faster charging speeds of up to 50 watts, though it looks as though 25 watts will be the norm for now.
- Improved magnetic alignment, so phones can charge at maximum efficiency and speed, and different devices will be compatible with all Qi2 25W accessories.
- Backwards compatibility, meaning Qi2 25W devices will still work with Qi2 and Qi chargers, albeit at slower speeds.
The WPC says 14 products are certified so far, including 3-in-1 chargers, power banks, and car mounts, from Anker, Aukey, Baseus, Belkin, Ugreen, and Scosche, with hundreds more in the certification queue. Most interestingly, the WPC says, “in addition to Apple iPhone, major Android smartphones will join the Qi2 ecosystem for the first time with this launch.” But we don’t know yet which iPhone models or Android phones it is referring to.
A Complete List of Qi2 Phones
Sadly, there aren’t many Qi2-certified phones yet. Here’s the complete list:
A Complete List of Qi2-Ready Phones
Qi2-Ready phones are capable of charging at Qi2 speeds but lack the magnetic array, so they must be paired with Qi2-Ready cases with magnets in them to act as Qi2 phones. Here’s the list:
Expect a Delayed Wave of Qi2 Devices
Before a device can bear the Qi2 or Qi2 25W logo, the Wireless Power Consortium must certify it in its independent labs. The MPP Qi2 specification includes charging rate, magnet strength, and device compatibility. The Qi2 logo promises that the device meets the WPC’s exacting standards. But, as with the original Qi standard, there are also devices available that have not passed through the official Qi2 certification process.
Apple’s iPhone 12 to 16 range supports Qi2, and accessory makers like Anker, Belkin, Nomad, Mophie, Baseus, and many others have released Qi2 wireless chargers and power banks. You can expect a wave of Qi2 25W accessories and phones to roll out next, and we expect some Android manufacturers to jump fully on board later this year or early 2026. Phones typically have a two-year lead time, so that may account for the delay in Qi2 adoption. The WPC hopes that Qi2 will unify wireless charging and finally provide the universal global standard we have been waiting for, but we are no longer feeling quite so optimistic.
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