Apple is making significant strides towards adopting the next-generation Qi 2.2 wireless charging standard, as revealed by recent regulatory filings on Taiwan's NCC certification website. The Qi 2.2 standard is an upcoming update to the Wireless Power Consortium's (WPC) Qi standard, enhancing the improvements introduced with Qi 2.1. This development was first spotted by 91mobiles.com, which noted the registration of two new MagSafe charger models – A3503 and A3502 – that are designed to support the upgraded Qi 2.2 standard.
The new chargers maintain the familiar white puck design, complemented by braided cables available in two lengths: 2 meters and 1 meter. This design not only offers aesthetic appeal but also signals a significant upgrade in functionality, particularly in terms of charging speed. With Qi 2.2, users can expect a maximum charging output of up to 50W, a notable increase compared to the previous Qi 2 standard, which is limited to just 15W. It's important to note, however, that while the iPhone 16 models can utilize upgraded MagSafe charging with a 30W charger, they can achieve charging speeds of up to 25W.
Despite the release of the Qi 2.1 standard by the WPC, no Apple devices currently support it. The testing documents associated with the new chargers indicate compatibility with a wide range of devices, from the iPhone 16 back to the iPhone 11. This suggests that the Qi 2.2 chargers will offer broad compatibility with existing devices; however, charging speeds will be limited when used with older models. To fully harness the faster charging capabilities, devices will need an advanced charging chip, similar to Samsung's Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC).
In addition to increased charging speeds, the Qi 2.2 standard brings about improvements in magnetic alignment and charging efficiency compared to its predecessor. One of the significant advantages of this new standard is its backward compatibility with older Qi chargers, making it easier for users to transition to newer technology without discarding their existing charging accessories.
Although Apple has yet to make an official announcement regarding these new chargers, their presence in Taiwan's regulatory databases strongly suggests that a public release is imminent. This anticipation also raises expectations that the upcoming iPhone 17 models will incorporate support for the new charging standard; however, it remains uncertain whether these devices will be able to charge at the full 50W capacity.
As the tech community eagerly awaits Apple's announcement, it is expected that the iPhone 17 lineup will be unveiled around September. Furthermore, the broader industry is gearing up for the launch of Qi 2.2-compatible phones, chargers, and accessories later this year, indicating a significant shift towards faster and more efficient wireless charging solutions.
