Is MagSafe the Same as Qi2 Wireless Charging?

June 27, 2024
Update: March 16, 2026

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. Qi2 supports charging at up to 15W, while the newer Qi2.2 standard supports up to 25W. It incorporates improvements over the original Qi standard, including secure magnetic attachment, better alignment, faster charging speeds, and increased efficiency, while maintaining backward compatibility with Qi devices.

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. Android manufacturers including Samsung, Google, and OnePlus have integrated Qi2 into their flagship devices, with the Galaxy S25 and S26 series, Pixel 10 series, and OnePlus 13 all supporting Qi2 wireless charging.

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. Both MagSafe and Qi2 use magnetic alignment, so MagSafe iPhones (iPhone 12 and later) will snap onto Qi2 chargers and charge at up to 15W, or up to 25W with a Qi2.2-certified charger and a compatible device.

Is My Phone Qi2 Compatible?

Most recent flagship phones support Qi2 wireless charging. All iPhones from iPhone 12 onward are Qi2 compatible. On Android, the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S26 series, Google Pixel 10 series, and OnePlus 13 all support Qi2. Samsung devices require a magnetic case for snap-on alignment, while Pixel 10 models have built-in magnets.

For a full list of Qi2 compatible devices click HERE.

Do I Need a MagSafe Case for Qi2 Charging?

A MagSafe case is not required for Qi2 charging on iPhones, as iPhone 12 and later have built-in magnets that align with Qi2 chargers. However, Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S26 series do not have built-in magnets and require a Qi2-certified magnetic case for proper alignment. Without a magnetic case, these devices can still charge wirelessly but without the snap-on alignment benefit.