Last week marked a significant milestone in the world of technology with the certification of the first next-gen wireless chargers. The latest standard, now officially launched as Qi2 25W, aims to provide consumers with a clear understanding when purchasing more powerful wireless charging models. The iPhone 17 was the first smartphone to support this cutting-edge standard, with Android devices soon to follow. However, consumers interested in acquiring an iPhone 17 may want to consider holding off for the time being.
The evolution of wireless phone chargers began with the original Qi standard, governed by the industry trade group, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). This advancement was crucial, allowing users to purchase any Qi-certified charger and confidently use it with almost any smartphone available, including various models of iPhones. However, the original standard was limited, maxing out at 7.5W, which was not particularly fast for modern devices.
The introduction of the Qi2 standard marked a significant upgrade, particularly since Apple contributed to its development by open-sourcing its MagSafe magnetic attachment system. With the Qi2 standard, power output was effectively doubled to 15W, enhancing the charging experience. The latest update, Qi2 25W, takes this a step further, boosting the power output to an impressive 25W.
The WPC initially referred to this latest standard as Qi 2.2, but has since adopted a more straightforward name that includes the power rating for clarity. The new official name is Qi2 25W. The WPC has stated that the primary request from users has been for faster charging speeds, and they assure consumers that there will be a wide variety of options available. Users can expect a remarkable experience with Qi2 25W, as it offers nearly 70% more power than the original Qi2 standard.
Unprecedented interest is evident, with a record number of devices in the certification queue for Qi2 25W, showcasing both the quality and diversity of product designs from WPC members.
As mentioned previously, there is speculation that Apple may introduce a groundbreaking feature with the upcoming iPhone 17. A recent regulatory listing suggested that Apple could be developing a MagSafe charger capable of supporting 45W, surpassing the 25W maximum of the Qi2 25W standard. While no current iPhone supports this elevated speed, it’s anticipated that the iPhone 17 lineup might. If this comes to fruition, it’s worth noting that Qi2 25W chargers would not support this higher speed, requiring a new proprietary Apple charger.
This potential move wouldn’t be surprising, given that Apple has been quite generous in allowing third-party brands to utilize the MagSafe technology. However, it is likely that Apple will reserve exclusive features for its own charging solutions.
For those looking to enhance their charging experience, here are some recommended accessories:
Official Apple Store on AmazonAnker 511 Nano Pro: An ultra-compact iPhone chargerSpigen MagFit case for iPhone 16e: Adds MagSafe supportApple MagSafe Charger with 25W power for iPhone 16 modelsApple 30W charger for higher power needsAnker 240W: Braided USB-C to USB-C cableWith the launch of Qi2 25W, consumers can look forward to faster and more efficient wireless charging, paving the way for a new era of convenience in smartphone usage.