The iPhone 15 (Plus) and iPhone 15 Pro (Max) were the first Apple smartphones to support Qi2. Since iOS 17.2, the iPhone 13 (Pro) and iPhone 14 (Pro) also have the option to charge wirelessly at up to 15 W. The iPhone 12 (Pro) has had this option since iOS 17.4.
This allows you to charge the iPhone in addition to MagSafe via the wireless charging standard for electronic devices with a maximum power of 15 W. The first generation of Qi was limited to 10 W and for the iPhone this was even limited to 7.5 W.
Qi2: wireless charging standard
Qi2 refers to the second generation of the wireless charging standard for electronic devices announced in early 2023. As with the first generation, it uses inductive energy transfer to wirelessly supply power to compatible devices such as iPhone and other smartphones. This was previously 7.5 W or 10 W, but has now been increased to the faster 15 W.
In contrast to the first generation of Qi, Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the organization behind the wireless protocol, has imposed additional conditions on the second generation. For example, just like with MagSafe, manufacturers must use a sturdy magnetic ring so that devices are magnetically attached to the charger and remain properly positioned.
iPhone support Qi2
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max (from iOS 17.2)
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max (from iOS 17.2)
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max (from iOS 17.4)
Differences between MagSafe and Qi2
Qi2 and MagSafe offer the same benefits: wireless fast charging with 15 W and magnetic snapping, so that the device remains properly positioned. It is good to know that the magnetic ring of MagSafe and Qi2 are the same. However, there are two important differences to report: NFC chip and components.
MagSafe also includes a special NFC chip in the accessory so it can communicate with the iPhone. This allows a MagSafe battery to report its status and the iPhone can remember which standby function you used with a MagSafe holder.
In addition, manufacturers must purchase MagSafe components from Apple and the accessory must be approved before they can use the MagSafe logo. On this page from Apple you can check whether a manufacturer and accessory meet the requirements and can use the official mfi (Made For iPhone) logo.
Because both charging methods are the same, it probably makes little difference to consumers which charger they choose. So you can go for a MagSafe solution or Qi2, in both cases you benefit from fast charging and easy positioning. MagSafe does contain an NFC chip for extra information, but that is less interesting. In addition, an additional inspection by Apple is mandatory for manufacturers, which means that the purchase price is higher than Qi2 in most cases.
Qi2 charger
The first wireless chargers with Qi2 have now appeared on the market. Belkin already has several wireless chargers with the new protocol announced or released. The popular brand Anker also has several copies introduced. Nomad also sells Qi2 chargers in their webshop.