Samsung and Google Pave the Way for Qi2 Ready Devices, But at What Cost?

At CES 2025, the announcement of the Qi2 standard garnered significant attention within the tech community, particularly as it represents the first major evolution of the widely used wireless charging protocol. The Qi2 standard, originally unveiled in 2023, brought with it the exciting news that Apple had effectively contributed its MagSafe technology to this new industry standard. The anticipation was palpable: users expected Android smartphones to follow suit, integrating magnets into their designs much like the latest iPhones, thus facilitating enhanced charger alignment, improved charging speeds, and access to a wide array of magnetic accessories.

However, despite the optimism surrounding Qi2, two years later, adoption has been sluggish, with only one Android phone currently supporting the new standard. While the Qi2 framework mandates that devices must incorporate built-in magnets in order to claim Qi2 compatibility, there has been a significant amount of confusion surrounding the branding process. This was exemplified by Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, which, despite utilizing Qi v2.0, could only refer to itself under the familiar Qi branding due to the absence of magnets.

Compounding this confusion, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) introduced a new designation during their CES 2025 presentation: “Qi2 Ready.” This move has raised eyebrows, particularly given that it appears to grant manufacturers the option of producing devices that do not feature built-in magnets, while still enabling them to market these products as compliant with the Qi2 standard. According to the WPC, Qi2 Ready devices—ranging from smartphones to accessory cases—will provide users the complete Qi2 experience when used in concert with approved accessories.

This shift comes as a strategic compromise in the face of pressure from industry players like Samsung, who have been slow to incorporate the necessary technology into their devices. Some critics see this as a disconcerting move that could mislead average consumers. Samsung’s desire to leverage the Qi2 branding in marketing campaigns while avoiding the cost and effort of including magnets in their devices raises concerns about transparency and consumer expectations.

While the WPC’s decision to introduce an official certification for Qi2 Ready combinations—which would ideally resolve some existing alignment issues associated with third-party accessories—could bring a silver lining, it also suggests that Android manufacturers could opt to abandon the built-in magnet approach altogether. This could lead to an environment where Qi2 functionality comes at an increased cost through proprietary accessories instead of being inherent within the devices themselves. An ambiguous position remains regarding how third-party manufacturers will navigate the new approval requirements for their cases and accessories, leaving the landscape of Qi2 Ready products potentially fragmented.

The tech community is left pondering the future implications of these changes. Will consumers be hindered by confusion over what Qi2 Ready truly means? And will the industry move toward a fragmentation of compatibility, or will unified standards prevail? As the market for wireless charging evolves, manufacturers face a critical juncture between maintaining brand integrity, consumer transparency, and technological advancement.

As this story unfolds, the industry must grapple with balancing innovation and accessibility for the average user, while the spotlight remains on giants like Samsung and Google, who hold significant sway over the future of wireless charging standards.

In essence, the Qi2 Ready concept could either pave the way for improved user experiences or muddy the waters further, complicating a technology that is supposed to streamline consumer convenience. The time will tell how this will play out in the hands of everyday users, which ultimately reflects on the responsibilities of brands that promote these standards.