The latest addition to Google’s smartphone lineup, the Pixel 10 series, features a significant hardware enhancement: built-in Qi2 magnets. This upgrade is not just a technical improvement; it also opens the door for a plethora of MagSafe accessories that are already available in the market. One of the standout features is the inclusion of a “lock” magnet, designed to securely hold accessories in place, similar to what users experience with the iPhone's MagSafe system.
Apple’s MagSafe standard revolutionized the mobile accessory landscape by introducing magnets that allow for seamless connectivity between devices and accessories. The principal concept behind both MagSafe and its industry-standard counterpart, Qi2, is to align the wireless charging coil perfectly with a charger. This alignment not only facilitates higher charging speeds but also enhances overall efficiency. However, this is merely the foundation for a variety of accessories, ranging from wallets and mounts to grips and kickstands, all made possible through the integration of magnets in smartphones and their cases.
One question that has arisen regarding the Pixel 10 series is whether the Qi2 magnets will effectively secure accessories. The primary magnet ring is responsible for the bulk of the work in holding accessories, but unlike iPhones, which feature a secondary magnet to prevent wallets and other attachments from sliding, early concerns suggested that the Pixel 10 might lack this functionality. However, it has been confirmed that Google has implemented a similar design.
In the Pixel 10 Pro XL, a magnetic film is integrated below the main Qi2 magnet ring, providing that essential “lock” feature for accessories. This design aligns with the overarching Qi2 standard, rather than being a unique feature developed solely by Google. According to the Qi 2.1 specification, a diagram illustrates the proper placement of this “orientation magnet,” ensuring that as Qi2 technology is adopted by other Android manufacturers, similar functionality will be expected.
This development is particularly significant given the current chaotic state of magnet accessory ecosystems for Android devices. Many existing accessories lack the orientation magnet, which is crucial for stability. For instance, a “Qi2 Ready” case for the Galaxy S25 Ultra and a magnet case for the OnePlus 13 do not include this feature, although some third-party cases, like those from dbrand for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, do.
As the Pixel 10 series sets a precedent for magnetic accessory compatibility, many users are eager to see how this technology will expand across other Android devices. The integration of Qi2 is expected to pave the way for a more standardized and functional approach to mobile accessories. Are you excited to explore the new magnetic accessories tailored for the Pixel 10 and other forthcoming Android models?
For more information on the Pixel 10 series, check out our in-depth reviews, including:
Google Pixel 10 Pro Initial Review: Discover how Google is building an AI-driven phone.Google Pixel 10 Initial Review: An analysis of the constrained, concise, and costly upgrades.Video Overview: Explore the Pixel 10’s new ‘Head Start’ tool designed to streamline switching for iPhone users.