The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has introduced the next generation of wireless charging – Qi2 25W. This faster version of the technology will soon be available in a number of “mainstream Android smartphones“, while the Qi 2.2.1 specification was also approved.
Faster charging and greater satisfaction
Compared to the Qi2 standard, which was introduced about two years ago with support for up to 15 watts of wireless charging, Qi2 25W provides fast wireless charging up to 25 watts. According to a WPC market study, “faster wireless charging is the most requested feature to improve user satisfaction with wireless charging“. The Qi2 standard, approved in November 2023 with 15 watts, was an important step towards meeting this consumer demand.
Universalizing fast charging
While “several smartphone manufacturers“ have developed their own protocols for fast wireless charging, the new standard opens the door for any brand to take advantage of the faster charging speeds.
The WPC said that “mainstream Android smartphones“ will support Qi2 25W. Since the higher charging speeds require support for the Qi 2.2.1 specification, and current Samsung devices, for example, use Qi 2.1.0, it can be assumed that this applies to new models. The WPC did not reveal specific names, but said the testing is planned for “several hundred devices“.
Expanding the Qi2 ecosystem
“In addition to the Apple iPhone, this release marks the first time that major Android smartphones have joined the Qi2 ecosystem“, the WPC said in a statement. Over the past week, 14 devices, both receivers and transmitters, have been certified for Qi2 25W in a limited edition. Full-scale certification testing is now open for hundreds of devices awaiting approval.