The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), an organization responsible for overseeing wireless charging standards, has announced a new standard called Qi2. The highlight of this announcement is that the WPC is working closely with Apple to bring MagSafe-like capabilities to Android devices.
Background on Magsafe and its Limitations
It’s been over two years since Apple introduced MagSafe for iPhones. This wireless standard aimed to improve upon existing Qi-compatible chargers by increasing charging speeds from 7.5 W to 15 W for MagSafe Chargers. Additionally, Apple sought to eliminate the hassle of precisely aligning the phone with the wireless charging pad using magnets that snap into place perfectly on the back of the device.
However, the MagSafe standard remains proprietary, and the ecosystem of Apple-certified accessories has not expanded significantly since its introduction.
What is Qi2?
The WPC has stated that Qi2 enables a Magnetic Power Profile, built upon the basis of Apple’s MagSafe technology. This means devices compatible with the Qi2 standard will be able to work seamlessly with both Android and iOS-based devices.
Key Features of Qi2
According to the WPC, the new Qi2 standard will provide several benefits:
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Phones or other rechargeable battery-powered mobile products will be perfectly aligned with charging devices, resulting in improved energy efficiency.
- Faster Charging: The Magnetic Power Profile ensures faster charging speeds, making it a more efficient and convenient option for users.
Release Date and Availability
The WPC has announced that the new Qi2 standard will be released later this year. Compatible accessories should become available before the end of the year. Notably, the consortium mentioned that this new standard will pave the way for accessories that "wouldn’t be chargeable using current flat surface-to-flat surface devices." This could include charging different types of headphones or smartwatches.
Specifications and Future Developments
While the WPC hasn’t released full specifications related to Qi2, they have stated that initially, the standard will cap charging speeds at 15 W. However, they plan to work on higher power profiles for the standard in the future.
Potential Impact and Limitations
The Qi2 standard might set the stage for a faster magnet-enabled wireless charging experience. Nevertheless, it won’t ensure the quality of magnets used in chargers or phones, which may lead to potential issues with secure magnetic fits. It’s also unclear if chargers with this new standard will work perfectly with iPhone 14 or older models.
Future Prospects and Apple’s Role
As Apple is expected to adopt USB-C for iPhones due to regulations in the EU and India, it might look for another standard to control. By having MagSafe be the base for a Qi2-like standard that will be widely adopted, Apple might be setting the ground for having iPhones rely more (or even completely) on wireless charging in the future.
Related Topics
- Apple: The tech giant’s introduction of MagSafe and its potential impact on the industry.
- Magsafe: A proprietary wireless standard developed by Apple, which has limitations despite its benefits.
- Qi: An existing wireless charging standard that Qi2 aims to improve upon.
Conclusion
The Wireless Power Consortium’s announcement of Qi2 brings exciting possibilities for wireless charging. By working with Apple to bring MagSafe-like capabilities to Android devices, the WPC is paving the way for a more efficient and convenient future for users. However, there are still potential limitations and challenges that need to be addressed as the industry moves forward.
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