- The Qi2 25W standard has just been released
- Bring 25W wireless load speeds to a variety of devices
- The “several hundred” devices are waiting for certification
The wireless load could be faster and more efficient with an QI standard update, the Power Wireless consortium (WPC) has announced, and the industry agency says that the new Qi2 25W platform should make your phone turn on is “even faster and more efficient.”
The announcement explains that Qi2 25W increases the maximum wireless load rate of the QI standard from 15W to 25W, a step of just under 70%. It is designed to function on devices and ecosystems, so it will not be blocked for patented products or designs.
To that end, the consortium says that the new standard will be compatible with the “main Android smartphones”, in addition to Apple’s iPhone (currently the iPhone 16 series are the only ones that admit the 25W load in wirelessly). Until now, fourteen “devices, receptors and transmitters” have been certified, with “several hundred” more waiting online.
Qi2 was launched in November 2023, but its standard load rate was established in 15W. One of the key characteristics of QI2 was the magnetic alignment, which was based on Apple’s Magsafe concept after the Cupertino giant allowed its technology to be used by the WPC.
Faster and efficient load
The benefit of something like Qi2 25W is that it is intended to be multiplatform. While several manufacturers have launched their own exclusive load solutions over the years, they often found the problem of not offering the same benefits for all devices.
For example, the iPhone 16 has been able to load at 25 W since it was launched in 2024, but only with a Magsafe loading pad certified by Apple, while the QI2 alternatives were stuck to 15W. Now, iPhone users can enjoy 25W load speeds with any Qi2 25W charger, not just Magsafe.
Android has been a little slower to adopt 25W, with most Google feed phones limited to 15W speeds of the old Qi2 standard. That means that you will soon get much faster wireless load speeds if you are not an Apple customer, provided that the WPC certifies your phone.
To obtain the full 25 W load output, you will need a USB-C power supply of 30W or more. You should also make sure your phone is compatible. The WPC has not said which devices have already been approved, or which ones are in the tail, but we will keep our eyes wide open for updates.
With the WPC saying that hundreds of devices are waiting for certification, there is hope that this standard will be widely adopted, allowing you to judge your device with a wide range of loaders at impressive speeds. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android device, you should soon feel the benefits.
