After years of ready, it looks like Android telephones are lastly catching up with Apple’s MagSafe wi-fi charging. The Wi-fi Energy Consortium (WPC) has confirmed that Qi2 wi-fi charging is coming to Android, with Samsung and Google main the way in which. The announcement was made at CES 2025, bringing an thrilling replace for followers who’ve lengthy needed the Qi2 wi-fi charging customary for Android smartphones.
For the unaware, Qi2 is the subsequent large step in wi-fi charging, changing the older Qi customary. It guarantees quicker and extra environment friendly charging, with speeds of as much as 15W. The know-how makes use of magnetic rings to align your system completely with the charger. This intelligent design reduces vitality loss brought on by misalignment, making it a extra dependable possibility than earlier than. Whereas Apple’s MagSafe has been utilizing related know-how since 2023, Android telephones have largely lagged behind — till now.
Each Samsung and Google have formally dedicated to the Qi2 customary. Samsung introduced that Galaxy telephones will begin supporting Qi2 later this yr. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless unclear if the upcoming Galaxy S25 sequence, set to launch this month, will embody native Qi2 help. Rumours recommend the S25 would possibly provide Qi2 performance by way of particular instances, however full integration could have to attend till the Galaxy S26.
Google’s plans are a bit extra mysterious. The corporate has stated it’s taking part in a significant function in advancing the know-how, particularly with the event of Qi 2.2. Google goals to enhance cross-brand compatibility, which has been a ache level for Android customers. If profitable, this might enable chargers and telephones from completely different producers to take full benefit of Qi2’s quicker speeds. Google’s involvement hints at large enhancements for gadgets like its Pixel sequence and different Android smartphones.
For years, Apple customers have had a greater wi-fi charging expertise with MagSafe. Android telephones have supported wi-fi charging, nevertheless it’s been much less dependable and sometimes slower. The arrival of Qi2 might lastly change that. By adopting the magnetic alignment system, Android gadgets will ship extra constant efficiency and quicker charging, placing them on par with Apple’s providing.
2025 might mark the beginning of a brand new period for wi-fi charging on Android. With Samsung and Google backing Qi2, the know-how would possibly develop into a normal characteristic throughout Android gadgets within the coming years.
