Samsung Galaxy S25's magnet controversy creates perplexity around Qi2 technology
The world of wireless charging has seen a significant development with the introduction of the Qi2 25W standard. This latest certified wireless charging standard supports faster charging up to 25 watts, improved energy and heat management, and backward compatibility with prior Qi and Qi2 devices [1].
To ensure safe, efficient, and interoperable performance, products certified under Qi2 25W carry the Qi2 25W mark. This rigorous certification process is a testament to the commitment to quality and consistency in the wireless charging industry [1].
Manufacturers like Belkin have already started releasing Qi2 25W certified chargers, demonstrating the adoption of this updated standard in the market [1]. However, the exact specification differences between Qi2 Ready and full Qi2 25W certification are not explicitly detailed, but "Qi2 Ready" likely refers to devices or chargers prepared to support the newer standards and certification processes.
One of the most anticipated adopters of Qi2 25W is Samsung. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to support or adopt Qi2 25W wireless charging, with industry suggestions that the upcoming Galaxy S26 should continue this trend [2]. Although no definitive statement about the Galaxy S25’s Qi2 compatibility was found, the proximity of its launch and Samsung’s push for Qi2 indicate compatibility is highly probable. Additionally, Samsung’s Fan Edition earbuds and other accessories are also being released with related new certifications, suggesting broader adoption of Qi2 standards within Samsung’s ecosystem [2].
It's worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is the first smartphone to utilize the Qi2 Ready standard, but it is not clear if it does not have magnets, a feature that was initially considered mandatory for Qi2 devices [3]. However, the WPC's new branding, Qi2 Ready, allows phones to use Qi2 technology without adding magnets [4].
The Qi2 standard, designed in collaboration with big tech companies including Apple, is following a similar trajectory to USB and the USB Implementers Forum, with multiple versions and discrepancies [5]. Despite the WPC's initial aim to unify the wireless charging industry under one global standard, over a year after Qi2 was made available, wireless charging remains more disjointed than ever [5].
Qi2 Ready devices and accessories will deliver the full Qi2 user experience "in approved combinations" [6]. Phones branded as Qi2 Ready support 15W wireless charging and leverage accessories to add magnetic connection [6]. Samsung, for instance, states that the Galaxy S25 supports Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W [2], which contradicts the WPC's original definition of Qi2.
In summary, the Qi2 25W standard represents a significant leap forward in wireless charging technology, offering faster charging, improved energy management, and backward compatibility. With manufacturers like Belkin already releasing Qi2 25W certified chargers and Samsung expected to adopt this standard, it's clear that Qi2 25W is set to become a standard feature in the wireless charging landscape. However, the ongoing development and evolution of the standard, as well as the introduction of Qi2 Ready, suggest that the wireless charging industry still has some way to go before achieving the unity and consistency promised by the WPC.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5] [6] [Source 6]
- With Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S25 series expected to support or adopt Qi2 25W wireless charging and the release of certified Qi2 25W chargers from manufacturers like Belkin, it's evident that smartphones and gadgets equipped with this latest wireless charging standard are poised to dominate the market.
- The Qi2 25W standard is not only changing the rapidity and efficiency of wireless charging but also fostering technological advancement in smartphones and other gadgets, thereby molding the future of the wireless charging industry.
