Wireless Extension
A new technical standard promises to bring wireless charging to a wider audience, says Matt Pluckrose
Wireless charging is here to stay but has been traditionally slower in popularity than its wired alternative until now. This is all set to change as all the major many phone manufacturers are now focusing on the consumer benefits and speed of magnetic wireless charging (Qi2) and are actively planning new phones to use this new standard of wireless technology in Q4 of this year.
This will create an opportunity for our sector if distributors are keen to learn, ready to embrace change, and then offer this to their clients, especially those who are looking for the latest top quality technology gifts that reward, encourage and promote their client’s brands and companies.
Beyond Apple
Currently magnetic charging is the domain of Apple with its Magsafe tech which is exclusively used in iPhone. Magsafe has been around now since 2020 with its launch inside the iPhone 12 but things are set to change as all the other major phone manufacturers are now ready to embrace this faster, more convenient and reliable way of staying charged and connected wirelessly. So, let’s look at the differences, frequently asked questions and what all the noise is about.
Both MagSafe and Qi2 are wireless charging technologies that use magnetic rings to position the smartphone on the charger which means electricity passes quicker between the charger and the phone battery. This makes charging more efficient and faster compared to the first generation of wireless chargers.
Open to all
Qi2 is a wireless charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). It is an open standard supported by a wide range of manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, LG, and Google. As a result, Qi2 – together with MagSafe – will become the universal standard for wireless charging in the future.
Similar but different
Both Qi2 and MagSafe use a magnetic ring to charge a device wirelessly. In terms of charging speed, both Qi2 and MagSafe can support fast wireless charging up to 15W.
The main differences between Qi2 and MagSafe include compatibility. While Qi2 supports all Qi2 compatible devices, including iPhones from 12, MagSafe is only suitable for Apple (iPhone 12) and upwards.
Price is also a differentiator. A Qi2 charger will cost less than the price of a comparable MagSafe charger. This is because the price of a MagSafe module is higher than the price of a Qi2 module due to Apple’s pricing policy and licences.
Frequently Asked Questions about MagSafe and Qi2
When will phones start to features Qi2?
A. Non-Apple phones will start to launch in the market from Q4 this year.
Can we buy Qi2 chargers now in the promo market?
A. Yes. Forward-thinking suppliers have these available from stock now.
Is MagSafe available on all iPhones?
A. MagSafe wireless charging started with the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series.
Was Apple involved in the development of Qi2?
A. Apple contributed to the development of Qi2 to the extent that it actually provided the MagSafe technique to the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) for use as the basis for Qi2’s Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), which defines how Qi2 works.
What is the difference between Qi and Qi2?
A. Qi2 offers faster wireless charging and magnetic alignment.
Is there a difference in power between Qi2 and MagSafe?
A. Both technologies offer wireless charging up to a maximum of 15W.
