MagSafe Tech is Expanding to Android with Qi2.2
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Apple’s MagSafe was originally an exclusive feature on the 2020 iPhone 12 line, but five years later, the best parts of MagSafe are now also available on Android phones like Google’s Pixel 10 line. That’s because Apple has contributed the key parts of MagSafe into the open Qi2.2 standard, and the next wave of flagship phones might have faster wireless charging and support for magnetic accessories.
The Qi2.2 wireless charging standard comes from the Wireless Power Consortium, whose membership includes Apple, Google and many other phone companies that collectively build and implement improvements to Qi wireless charging.
It doesn’t mean that Apple’s MagSafe is going away. The company will continue to use the term for the magnetic accessories that Apple makes or certifies from third-party accessory makers. But it does mean that other phone makers will adopt the Qi2.2 standard — which is essentially the same as MagSafe — and even rebrand it. Google, for instance, launched a line of PixelSnap accessories that use Qi2.2,meaning they’ll work just fine on Pixel phones and on Apple’s iPhone.
Even better, these wireless charging accessories are cheaper now than when MagSafe debuted, with companies such as Anker and Belkin making Qi2.2 magnetic charging pads and stands that support 25-watt speeds. These fastest speeds are currently supported by the new iPhone 17 line, the iPhone 16 and Google’s Pixel 10 pro XL, provided that you use a Qi2.2 wireless charger with at least a 30-watt power adapter.
And it’s not just about charging. apple’s MagSafe and other phones that support Qi2 with built-in magnets allow for magnetic cases,wallets,stands,grips,and other accessories that can be quickly attached to the back of a phone. This means an assortment of accessories created since the 2020 launch of MagSafe for the iPhone now work on some Android phones, making them more versatile since you can likely keep using them on your next device.
Even though MagSafe is becoming more universal through the Qi2.2 standard, there’s still a lot
## What is Qi2 charging, and how is it different from MagSafe?
The Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 Qi2 charger.
For years, Apple’s MagSafe has been the gold standard for wireless charging, offering a convenient magnetic connection and faster charging speeds. Now,a new wireless charging standard called Qi2 is emerging,aiming to bridge the gap and offer similar functionality across a wider range of devices.
Qi2 builds upon the existing Qi wireless charging standard but adds a magnetic profile, similar to MagSafe. This magnetic alignment ensures the charging coil on the charger lines up perfectly with the coil on your phone, maximizing efficiency and delivering more consistent power. Phones without built-in magnets tend to use the term “Qi2 Ready” to delineate the difference from just having the Qi2 charging standard without the magnetic profile.
Samsung sells first-party magnetic cases for the Galaxy S25 line that have the Qi2 magnetic profile built in, and OnePlus is selling a similar magnetic case for its OnePlus 13.
MagSafe-compatible iPhones support Qi2, meaning that if you buy a Qi2 wireless charger, it should support at least 15-watt wireless charging. The newest MagSafe charger now sold by Apple bumps that up to 25W speeds when used with phones that support Qi2.2 — which right now include the iPhone 16 line, the iPhone 17 line and the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google’s official PixelSnap charger also supports Qi2.2, meaning it should provide the same speed.
Beyond charging speed,Qi2 opens the door to a wider ecosystem of magnetic accessories. Qi2 phones that have magnets should support the plethora of magnetic accessories that were first released with MagSafe in mind, likely bringing compatibility to docks, mounts, grips and wallet accessories. Some of these Qi2 accessories are also slightly cheaper than MagSafe-certified accessories, which require certification by Apple to get the MagSafe branding.
What is MagSafe on your iPhone? A complete guide
MagSafe on the iPhone refers to a magnetic wireless charging and accessory system Apple introduced with the iPhone 12 in 2020. It’s a clever way to quickly attach chargers, wallets, and other accessories to the back of your iPhone. But it’s more than just convenience; MagSafe also delivers faster wireless charging speeds than customary Qi wireless charging (though the iPhone 15 lineup has changed things a bit, as we’ll get to).
Here’s everything you need to know about MagSafe, including which iPhones are compatible and what accessories are available.
How does MagSafe work?
At its core, MagSafe relies on a ring of magnets built into the back of compatible iPhones. These magnets align perfectly with MagSafe chargers and accessories, snapping them into place.
This magnetic alignment offers several benefits:
* Precise Alignment: Ensures the charging coil in the charger lines up with the charging coil in your iPhone, maximizing charging efficiency.
* Faster Wireless Charging: MagSafe can deliver up to 15W of wireless charging power, compared to the 7.5W offered by standard Qi wireless charging. (Though, with the iPhone 15 lineup, Apple has adopted the Qi2 standard, which also delivers 15W and offers similar magnetic alignment benefits.)
* Accessory Ecosystem: Enables a wide range of accessories, like wallets, cases, car mounts, and battery packs, to easily attach to your iPhone.
MagSafe vs. Qi2: What’s the difference?
Qi2 is the latest wireless charging standard, and it incorporates magnetic alignment – a feature previously exclusive to MagSafe. Apple has adopted Qi2 for the iPhone 15 lineup, meaning these phones can use either MagSafe or Qi2 chargers.
Here’s a breakdown:
* MagSafe: Apple’s proprietary standard, originally introduced with the iPhone 12.
* Qi2: The updated wireless charging standard that includes magnetic alignment. It’s designed to be more universal and interoperable.
For iPhone 15 users, the distinction is less crucial. both MagSafe and Qi2 chargers will offer similar charging speeds and magnetic attachment. For older iPhones (12-14),MagSafe is still the way to go for magnetic wireless charging.
Are all MagSafe accessories created equal?
Generally, MagSafe accessories will largely attach irrespective of their certification. However, I have noticed — in my own personal experience — that the strength of the magnets can vary between accessory-makers.If you’re buying a magnetic grip,for example,test it out a bit after buying to make sure it fits your needs like you would a pair of shoes,and don’t destroy the box in case you decide to return it.
Which iPhones are compatible with MagSafe?
Every iPhone that’s been released since 2020 — barring the iPhone SE line and the iPhone 16E — is compatible with MagSafe and the Qi2 standard. This includes the iPhone 12 line and later. The iPhone 11 is not compatible with MagSafe, but it does work with the original Qi wireless standard for charging. It just won’t be as fast or involve magnets.
Can You Charge AirPods or Apple Watch With MagSafe?
The AirPods 3 feature wireless charging with MagSafe.
Can I charge my Apple Watch or AirPods over MagSafe charging?
The Apple Watch does not support MagSafe charging: it uses a different type of magnetic wireless charger to refill its battery. apple’s AirPods are much more flexible, however, depending on the model, you might be able to recharge the battery case with either an apple Watch charger or a MagSafe-compatible wireless charger.
All AirPods Pro cases support Qi wireless charging using a MagSafe charger or a standard Qi wireless charger. This also extends to the second- and third-generation standard AirPods cases. The new AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2 both include Qi/MagSafe wireless charging and can use an Apple Watch charger. The standard AirPods 4,however,lack wireless charging and instead use only wired USB-C charging.