The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has announced Qi2, a new wireless charging standard aimed at uniting the industry and implementing a common standard for wireless connectivity of mobile and wearable devices. For Qi2, the WPC has developed a new magnetic power profile based on Apple’s MagSafe technology.
Qi has become the de facto global standard for wireless charging of personal electronic devices. Currently, there are over 9,000 Qi-certified products on the market, and more than 350 members of the Wireless Power Consortium will continue to contribute to the standardization of compatible devices. Qi2 will succeed Qi.
Similar to Apple’s MagSafe, the new magnetic power profile ensures that phones or other rechargeable devices will have perfect alignment with chargers, improving energy efficiency and speeding up charging.
Qi2 will also allow device manufacturers to more quickly develop wireless chargers while ensuring their safety. Additionally, Qi2 will enable new types of innovations in products. Since it doesn’t require a flat “surface-to-surface” connection due to the magnetic locking feature, it will support new product form factors.