It’s been a long time coming, but Android’s answer to Apple’s MagSafe may finally be here. A flurry of fresh leaks suggests that Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 series won’t just dabble in wireless charging—they’ll embrace the new Qi2 magnetic standard, complete with built‑in magnets that let a charging puck “snap” onto the back of the phone. And if this pans out, it would mark a major milestone: the first mainstream Android flagships to adopt true MagSafe‐style convenience out of the box.
Reliable tipster Evan Blass—often known simply as @evleaks—recently shared a crisp render of what appears to be the standard Pixel 10 in a vibrant “Limoncello”‑style blue, with a circular charging puck firmly attached to its rear. The image aligns perfectly with earlier renders of the Pixel 10 lineup, yet packs one crucial extra detail: the charger is adhering directly to the phone itself, no case required.
That simple visual flip‑book tells the whole story. Whereas Samsung’s Galaxy S25 and Z Fold7 series rely on special magnet‑embedded cases to deliver a MagSafe‑esque experience, Google seems poised to integrate magnets into the Pixel 10 chassis itself. In practical terms, that means your phone can magnetically align with Qi2 accessories—chargers, wallets, stands—without adding any bulk beyond the handset.
Qi2 isn’t just another spec on a growing list; it’s the Wireless Power Consortium’s answer to the magnetic charging revolution Apple kicked off in 2020. Back then, MagSafe brought a robust magnet ring and 15W of output to the latest iPhones, spawning an ecosystem of third‑party accessories. This summer, Qi2 was upgraded to support up to 25W of wireless power delivery, with Apple itself contributing key technical specs.
Until now, Android devices have mostly sat on the sidelines. A handful of gadgets—like the niche HMD Skyline—shipped with built‑in magnets, and Samsung flagged its S25 series as “Qi2 ready,” but only when paired with proprietary cases. By building magnets directly into the Pixel 10’s frame, Google could finally deliver seamless, truly native Qi2 on par with what iPhone users have enjoyed for half a decade.
The mysterious “PixelSnap” branding also surfaces in multiple leaks. Back in June, Android Authority revealed a lineup of Qi2 accessories bearing the PixelSnap name—cases, wallets, stands, and a charging puck—but the rumor was that the phones themselves would be magnet‑agnostic, passing the magnetic duties to the case. Today’s Blass leak effectively closes the loop: the Pixel 10 appears fully magnetized, and PixelSnap accessories will simply snap right on.
That’s a smart play. Integrating magnets into the phone ensures universal compatibility across the accessory range, whether or not you choose to use an official PixelSnap case. And for accessory makers, it means they can focus on Qi2 electrical compliance without worrying about shoehorning magnets into every wallet or stand.
Magnetic charging hardware doesn’t come for free. Android Headlines recently reported that the Pixel 10 series might be “very slightly thicker and heavier” than last year’s models—likely to accommodate the magnet array and updated coil design needed for reliable 25W Qi2 charging. For context, we’re talking fractions of a millimeter and a few grams; hardly enough to sway most buyers, but a worthwhile footnote for the pixel‑perfect crowd.
It’s also worth noting that Google’s in‑house Tensor G5 chip, built on a power‑efficient 3nm process, promises to offset any minor battery penalties with improved overall efficiency and smarter power management. Combine that with full Qi2 integration, and the Pixel 10 could deliver both faster charging and longer daily runtimes—a win‑win in a market where every minute counts.
Google has officially scheduled its “Made by Google” event for August 20, 2025, in New York City. That’s where we expect the Pixel 10 family—likely including a Pro, Pro XL, and possibly even a foldable variant—to take center stage. If these magnetic charging leaks hold true, the headline won’t just be about sharper cameras or AI‑powered features; it will be about Google finally giving Android users a taste of MagSafe’s slick, magnetic convenience.
In the meantime, the accessory ecosystem is already gearing up. Third‑party Qi2 chargers, car mounts, and wallets should begin to trickle out this fall, all leveraging the same magnetic power profile that’s kept MagSafe thriving for years. Android’s MagSafe moment is almost here—and it looks like Google’s Pixel 10 will be leading the charge.
Discover more from GadgetBond
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.