CES 2023: Apple’s MagSafe-based ‘Qi2’ next-generation wireless charging standard announced

The global wireless charging standard, Qi, is getting a big upgrade this year in the form of Qi2 (pronounced ‘Chee Two’). At CES 2023, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) just unveiled the next-generation global wireless charging standard based on Apple’s MagSafe technology. Qi2 builds on a new Magnetic Power Profile designed to provide faster and more efficient wireless charging. The Qi2-certified phone and charger is expected to launch in the holiday season of 2023.

Apple MagSafe charging technology is pretty cool, but it’s also limited to its own product ecosystem, and it’s been well received so far. With this technology now part of a more open and global standard, we should see more devices supporting magnetic wireless charging, from Android smartphones to TWS headsets, by 2023. More importantly, the Qi2 charger will also be more affordable than Apple Cosmetics’ MagSafe.

The California tech giant is just one of the companies participating in WPC, but its MagSafe technology forms the basis of the new Qi2 standard, according to a report. declare from WPC. Qi2 is supposed to replace the Qi standard and will open up new ways of charging thanks to its magnetic profile, which was not possible before. This means that all Qi2 certified devices and accessories will be able to magnetically attach to each other, similar to Apple’s MagSafe devices and accessories.

WPC also states that due to Qi2’s improved efficiency and interoperability, we can expect faster wireless charging on certain devices, while keeping in mind the safety and longevity of the device. product.

While Qi2 compatible smartphones can connect to any Qi2 wireless charger, we can expect different power profiles for different devices. Apple will most likely keep certain configurations or power technologies specific to its products, but overall, the Qi2 standard should pave the way for a wider and cheaper range of devices and accessories. .