With the Qi2 wireless charging standard, things are faster and more convenient.
There have been smaller updates to the original Qi charging standard, but Qi2 makes some big changes.
New Qi2 chargers feature magnets for quick alignment on a charger.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Products that include magnets will be branded with the Qi2 logo.
Qi2 maintains backward compatibility with Qi devices.
Its even less fun to return to the charger 30 minutes later to realize things werent lined up correctly.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
If youve used a MagSafe charger on an iPhone, you’re already familiar with the fundamentals of Qi2.
The WPC’s new standard brings the technology to more than just Apple devices since the standard is open.
Just like existing MagSafe chargers, Qi2 works with pass-through cases that include a magnetic charging ring.
Peak Design
Gadgets like thePlaud Noteseem ripe for this.
Which Devices Currently Use Qi2?
At the time of writing in February 2024, only select iPhones are compatible with the Qi2 standard.
Justin Duino / How-To Geek
Perhaps most surprisingly, the majority of these devices received Qi2 compatibility via an over-the-air software update.
Thats right: Apple increased the speed at which your iPhone can charge with a software tweak.
Standard Qi charging on the S24 gadget is limited to 7.5w.
Anker
Other Android gear manufacturers are yet to make a move on Qi2, including Google with its Pixel line.
This means that the certification process for Qi2 chargers is much more important than it was for Qi devices.
The good news is that you dont have to pay Apple prices for a WPC-certified Qi2 charger.
The WPC has more than 245 members, including brands like Anker, Belkin, and IKEA.
Third-party Qi2 chargers already exist, and theyre cheaper than official Apple MagSafe chargers.
you could always check theQi2-certified product databasebefore you buy.
Just be sure to look for Qi2 certification, since the database includes Qi models too.
And be on the lookout for uncertified chargers or fakes!
Worried thatwireless charging might damage your smartphone battery?
Its just anothersmartphone battery myth that you should stop believing.
