Wireless charging has always promised convenience, but until recently, speed hasn’t been its strong suit. That’s about to change: the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has officially launched Qi2 25W, a substantial upgrade to the existing 15W Qi2 standard. With first certifications already in hand and “several hundred” devices queued up, this new chapter promises to bring true high‑speed wireless charging to both iPhones and, for the very first time, a host of major Android smartphones.
When Qi2 arrived in late 2023, it doubled the power of the original Qi standard—from 7.5W to 15W—by integrating magnetic alignment technology inspired by Apple’s MagSafe. That was a big step, but many users still found 15W underwhelming compared to wired chargers starting at 18W. Qi2 25W (technically Qi v2.2.1) tackles that head‑on, boosting maximum output by nearly 70% to a full 25W. In practical terms, a compatible smartphone can go from zero to 50% in roughly 30 minutes—wireless charging speeds that actually keep pace with mid‑range wired fast charging.
“Consumers will be delighted when they experience Qi2 25W as it delivers nearly 70% more power than the original Qi2. The number of devices in the Qi2 25W certification queue for launch is unprecedented, as is the quality and breadth of our members’ product designs,” said Fady Mishriki, chair of the WPC’s board of directors.
Apple’s MagSafe-powered iPhones have long been the poster children for magnetic wireless charging. Officially, WPC confirms that “Apple iPhone” support is part of Qi2 25W’s launch, but it hasn’t named specific models. Industry clues point toward the iPhone 16 series—currently capped at 15W Qi2 but offering 25W via Apple’s proprietary MagSafe charger—likely being retrofitted via firmware or hardware tweaks. Looking further ahead, the yet‑to‑be‑announced iPhone 17 lineup almost certainly will ship with full Qi2 25W compatibility out of the box.
Third‑party accessory brands are already racing to fill the gap. Ugreen’s MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank claims to be the first device certified for Qi2 25W, and established names like Anker, Baseus, and Belkin have gear either announced or ready to roll out.
Perhaps the most exciting twist: for the first time, several “major Android smartphones” will adopt the full Qi2 25W standard, rather than remaining on the periphery. Until now, Android devices have largely been relegated to “Qi2 Ready” status, meaning they support 15W but lack the built‑in magnetic ring needed for full speeds—owners must buy special magnetic cases to unlock true alignment and power. Notable “Qi2 Ready” devices include Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 series.
Android Central reports that Google has collaborated with the WPC on Qi v2.2, and Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra is slated to gain Qi2 25W–ready internals, albeit initial models may still depend on cases for perfect magnetic coupling. Beyond Samsung and Google, the full list of Android adopters remains under wraps, but the WPC’s “several hundred” devices in the certification pipeline suggest a flood of support across brands and price points soon.
The launch of Qi2 25W represents a milestone toward true interoperability in fast wireless charging—no more juggling proprietary standards that often leave devices incompatible or throttled. For consumers, it’s a clear win: choose any Qi2 25W charger or power bank, and you’ll get the advertised speed, whether you rock an iPhone or the latest Android flagship.
Accessory makers are already capitalizing on the momentum: in addition to power banks and pads, we’re seeing dual‑device docks, car mounts with moving coils for better alignment (courtesy of Panasonic Automotive), and even multi‑port hubs weaving Qi2 25W into desk setups. Expect prices to start premium, then trickle down as certification accelerates and competition heats up.
On the hardware front, smartphone OEMs must now prioritize magnetic ring integration in their designs to avoid relegating buyers to aftermarket cases. That’s a meaningful shift—OEMs who embrace true in‑device magnet arrays will enjoy a tangible differentiation over those still “Qi2 Ready” only in name.
Full‑scale certification testing is now open, and with “several hundred” devices queued, Qi2 25W products should proliferate throughout the rest of 2025 and into early 2026. Beyond smartphones, expect Qi2 25W to make inroads in wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and even kitchen appliances via the WPC’s broader Ki standard.
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