Is MagSafe the Same as Qi2 Wireless Charging?

June 27, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of wireless charging, understanding the different technologies available is crucial for making informed decisions. Here, we delve into some of the key questions surrounding MagSafe, Qi, and the newer Qi2 charging standards to help you navigate your charging options.

What is MagSafe Charging?

MagSafe charging is a wireless charging technology developed by Apple that uses magnets to align and securely attach the charger to the back of compatible iPhones (iPhone 12 and later). This ensures optimal positioning for efficient charging and allows for faster charging speeds compared to standard wireless chargers.

What is Qi Charging?

Qi charging is a universal standard for wireless charging developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). It allows devices to charge wirelessly using electromagnetic induction. Many smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, support Qi charging.

Read more about Qi wireless charging HERE.

What is Qi2 Charging?

Qi2 charging is the next-generation wireless charging standard, also developed by the Wireless Power Consortium, based on Apple’s MagSafe technology. It incorporates improvements to the Qi standard, such as secure attachment when elevated, better alignment, faster charging speeds, and increased efficiency, while maintaining compatibility with the original Qi standard.

Read more about Qi2 wireless charging HERE.

When it comes to Qi2, it is important to look out for the official Qi2 logo. It promises that the device meets the WPC’s stringent standards. Before a device can use this logo, the WPC must certify it is up to scratch in its independent labs. The Qi2 specification involves charging rate, magnet strength, and device compatibility. Belkin has a longstanding history with the WPC and was invited to be one of the first companies to take part in early Qi2 certification.

Qi2 opens the world of perfectly aligned magnetic charging to a wider audience. For example, Android manufacturers can now decide whether to integrate it into forthcoming devices.

What is Qi2 Charging?

MagSafe vs Qi2: What's The Difference?

Is Qi2 Compatible With MagSafe?

Qi2 is designed to be backward compatible with Qi, including devices that support MagSafe charging. However, the magnetic alignment feature of MagSafe may not be fully utilized with all Qi2 chargers unless they also support magnetic alignment.

Is My Phone Qi2 Compatible?

If your phone supports Qi wireless charging, it should be compatible with Qi2 chargers. Future devices may specifically advertise Qi2 compatibility for enhanced performance.

For a full list of Qi2 compatible devices click HERE.

Do I Need a MagSafe Case for Qi2 Charging?

A MagSafe case is not necessary for Qi2 charging. However, if you have a device that supports MagSafe, using a MagSafe case can help with alignment and secure attachment when using MagSafe-specific features. For general Qi2 charging, any Qi-compatible case should suffice.