A new era of wireless charging is unfolding as the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) officially introduces Qi2 25W wireless charging—a leap in convenience and speed for both iPhones and an expanding lineup of Android smartphones. This next-generation standard not only promises faster top-ups but aims to unify and simplify wireless charging across devices and accessories.
What Is Qi2 25W Wireless Charging?
Qi2 25W is the evolution of the Qi2 standard, designed to deliver up to 25W of power—more than a 65% boost over the 15W maximum of the current Qi2 standard. This results in significantly faster charging for compatible devices, with the promise of 50% battery in just 30 minutes for many models. The upgraded standard brings:
-
Enhanced Power Delivery: Up to 25W for rapid energy replenishment.
-
Improved Magnetic Alignment: Borrowing from Apple’s MagSafe system for perfect placement and efficiency.
-
Broader Device Compatibility: Designed to work with a range of current and future smartphones, including iPhones and major Android brands.
-
Smarter Safety Features: Real-time communication between charger and device for optimized, protected charging.
iPhones & Qi2 25W: What to Expect
-
Apple’s iPhone 16 series already supports 15W Qi2 charging speeds, while 25W is available through the proprietary MagSafe system. The WPC has confirmed that upcoming iPhones will be among the first to support the Qi2 25W open standard officially. There is strong anticipation that the iPhone 17 will offer full compatibility, while the iPhone 16 series may receive updates to enable 25W charging on Qi2-certified chargers.
-
Notably, Apple’s MagSafe charger, when paired with the new iPhones and a 30W power adapter, can already deliver this 25W speed; however, until now, this capability has been limited to Apple’s proprietary ecosystem. Qi2 25W opens the door to MagSafe-level speeds from a much wider range of accessory makers without Apple licensing fees.
Major Android Smartphones Joining the Qi2 25W Revolution
Historically, high-speed wireless charging on Android devices relied on proprietary solutions by brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. With Qi2 25W, these benefits will become standardized, giving users the ability to enjoy rapid charging across numerous brands and chargers. While many flagship phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, and upcoming devices from OPPO and Vivo already offer excellent wireless charging, their next generations are expected to officially support Qi2 25W.
The first Android device confirmed to offer full Qi2 compatibility is the HMD Skyline. Samsung’s latest Galaxy Fold and Z series are “Qi2 Ready” (currently limited to 15W), but new models are anticipated to fully embrace 25W Qi2 charging, often with magnetic cases required to enable the fastest speeds.
Why Qi2 25W Matters
-
Universal Fast Charging: Ends the fragmentation between Apple and Android fast wireless charging standards.
-
More Accessory Choices: Brands like Belkin, Anker, and Ugreen have already received Qi2.2 (25W) certification for new chargers and power banks, with global launches expected later this year.
-
Backwards Compatibility: Qi2 25W chargers will still work with older Qi and Qi2 devices at their maximum supported speed.
-
Safer, Smarter Charging: Built-in bi-directional communication and safety features protect both device and battery life.
Qi2 25W vs. Previous Wireless Charging
1. Max Power Output
-
Qi (1st Gen): 5-7.5W
-
Qi2: 15W
-
Qi2 25W: 25W
-
MagSafe (Apple): 25W (iPhone 16 only)
2. Magnetic Alignment
-
Qi (1st Gen): No
-
Qi2: Yes
-
Qi2 25W: Yes
- MagSafe (Apple): Yes
3. Universally Open
-
Qi (1st Gen): Yes
-
Qi2: Yes
-
Qi2 25W: Yes
- MagSafe (Apple): No (Apple only)
4. Backwards Compatibility
-
Qi (1st Gen): Yes
-
Qi2: Yes
-
Qi2 25W: Yes
-
MagSafe (Apple): No
This point-wise breakdown clarifies how each wireless charging standard differs in terms of power, universal access, alignment, and compatibility.
Looking Ahead
With “hundreds” of Qi2 25W devices pending certification and launches slated in the coming months, users can expect far greater speed, convenience, and interoperability from wireless charging—whether their next upgrade is an iPhone or a flagship Android device.
This unified standard signals an end to slow, fragmented wireless charging and the dawn of fast, universal, and truly cable-free power for the world’s best smartphones. Stay tuned as device makers and accessory brands announce full compatibility and official release dates throughout 2025.
Image Credits: @UGREENOfficial/ Twitter
