"Tip of the iceberg": WPC announces Qi2 expansion

Qi2 was only introduced last year and currently more than 1.5 billion devices worldwide benefit from the greater convenience, fast charging and higher efficiency it offers. Manufacturers are releasing new products to keep pace with consumer demand for Qi2-enabled products.

For example, in the one year since its launch over 1100 new Qi2 products have been certified, a six-fold faster adoption rate when compared with the previous version of Qi2.

When Qi2 devices began rolling out in the autumn of 2023, only Apple iPhone supported it. Android smartphones with Qi2 began appearing in late 2024 and consumers can expect an acceleration in Android devices with Qi2 built in during 2025. Two Android handset members, Samsung and Google, have stated their Qi2 intentions for this.

"The exceptional Qi2 growth story will continue in 2025. You can expect to see Android devices supporting Qi2 from Samsung Galaxy devices in 2025," said Samsung.

"Google is committed to the Qi2 wireless charging standard and increasing the penetration of Qi2 into Android handsets and other devices. Google is helping to achieve this goal by playing a leading role in the development of the upcoming Qi v2.2 standard, which includes Google's contribution of its own high-power wireless charging technology to WPC," said Google.

“We are excited to have such major Android manufacturers commit to delivering the Qi2 experience to their customers. This will accelerate the deployment of Qi2 in general, but also Qi2 solutions for public infrastructure and automotive interiors. It will give companies added confidence to invest in Qi2 deployment," commented Fady Mishriki, WPC’s Chair of the Board of Directors. “Customers love the consistent fast charging experience a Qi2 certified charger delivers, and the wide range of innovative Qi2 accessories they can purchase.”

The growth of the Qi2 ecosystem will continue with the introduction of Qi2 Ready certified devices, spanning smartphones and accessorises such as cases, which deliver the full experience when paired together in approved combinations.

Another extension that will be rolling out in 2025 features a wireless phone charger with a moving coil for the automotive industry. Wireless charging capabilities for vehicles can be challenging because of variable phone dimensions, user placement, and the vehicle’s movement. Phones that don’t have Qi2’s magnetic attachment suffer from inconsistent alignment with the charging coil. The new moving coil looks for the phone’s exact location, so it can lock in a perfect connection every time and provide the fastest and most efficient charging speed.

Panasonic Automotive Systems (PAS), which contributed technology in developing the moving coil feature added: "PAS is pleased to contribute to WPC’s new standard development and will continue to promote the widespread adoption of next-generation in-vehicle wireless charging systems that take advantage of smartphone-compatible profiles, while also ensuring compatibility with traditional charging methods."

“The impact of Qi2 and its global adoption is outstanding,” said Paul Struhsaker, Executive Director of the WPC. “And we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. Expanded use cases for a broader range of smartphones, and other new applications will continue to accelerate Qi2 adoption and deployment.”