What To Know About MagSafe And Qi2: A Wireless Charging Guide

What To Know About MagSafe And Qi2: A Wireless Charging Guide

What Is Qi2?

Qi2 (pronounced ‘chee-too’), also known as Qi v.2.0, is the newest advancement in the world of wireless charging. It was developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) to enhance charging efficiency through the use of improved magnet alignment.

What Is The Difference Between MagSafe and Qi2?

When MagSafe launched with the iPhone 12, it was meant to be a competitor to the Qi wireless charging that was already on the market— but now we have the best of both worlds with Qi2! These two technologies share many similarities ever since Apple contributed part of its MagSafe technology secrets to the WPC to create Qi2. Both feature a 15W charging output and a ring of magnets that ensure proper alignment, therefore cutting down on energy loss and overheating. The most notable difference is that Qi2 can be used across multiple phone types, such as Apple, Samsung, Android, and Google– MagSafe is a patented technology reserved only for Apple products.

Qi2 Benefits 

Fast Charge Your Phone

Thankfully, the developers for Qi2 heard us out on one of our biggest complaints— charging speed. The new and improved Qi2 charges up to 15W, a significant upgrade compared to the baseline 5W charge in devices with the original Qi.

A More Sustainable Option

Say goodbye to the days of tossing out cheap power cords— wireless chargers take away the constant plugging and unplugging that cause cords to break! When you charge with a non-braided USB-C or lightning cable, the weak construction results in breakage and fraying after only a few months of use. Unless you use a strong Braided Cable, you’re contributing to tech waste each time you toss out a charger. But the best charging solution is by far a wireless charger— when you use a wireless charger, you are significantly cutting back on the number of discarded charging cords that end up in landfills. Pat yourself on the back— you’re going green one charge at a time!

Compatible With More Devices

As more and more devices are released, Qi2 will become the standard for charging features. This doesn’t mean that charging ports are no more, but it does mean that we will see an influx in the number of devices that support a standard form of wireless charging. If you live in a household with multiple devices, this change will allow you to charge most of your devices with one wireless charging station!

Personalize With Magnetic Accessories

MagSafe had all the fun with magnetic phone accessories in the past, but now it’s your time to shine! Now that your phone uses magnets for a reliable charging connection, you can also use magnetic accessories to personalize your phone. Enhance your grip and add some sparkle to your phone with a Ring Stand or Loop Grip, or ditch the bag and carry your essentials with a MagSafe Wallet. Remember, now you can use MagSafe accessories, so don’t shy away from a product just because of the name! All you need to do is ensure your phone case features built-in magnets or add a MagSafe Ring Kit with strong magnets that keep your accessory from popping off when you put your phone in your pocket!

What Phones Are Compatible With Qi2?

The only devices currently available with Qi2 charging compatibility are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This technology is brand new and has yet to launch in other products, but we don't expect Qi2 to stop with Apple— especially since they have their own patented wireless charging system, MagSafe™. Device launches happen every year from companies such as Android, Samsung, and Google— for now, it is a waiting game to see who is next to launch a new device that includes Qi2!

Are Qi2 Chargers Safe?

Yes, Qi2 charging is safe for you and your phone! In the development of this new technology, one issue that took a front seat in the minds of product developers— overheating. Both MagSafe and Qi2 are focused on the enhanced use of magnets for charging rather than cables that can quickly cause devices to overheat. The WPC combatted this issue by using copper wires placed in the wireless charging pad and the back of the phone. These copper wires are perfectly aligned through magnets, creating an enhanced magnetic connection that releases minimal energy outside of charging purposes. Lost energy during wireless charging is converted to heat, so you will notice that your device doesn’t feel as warm or overheat during and after charging with Qi2 as it had in the past.

As you purchase your new phone or keep your eye out on the market, we hope you feel confident in understanding the new forms of wireless charging and how to differentiate between MagSafe and Qi2. We want to hear from you— tag us on Instagram @casemate to show off how you charge and style your new Qi2-compatible phone!