What Is Qi2 – and Why Is It Now Relevant to Everyone?
Qi2 is the official successor to the Qi1 wireless charging standard. It was developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the same organisation that defined the original Qi standard.
The key feature of Qi2 is the so-called Magnetic Power Profile (MPP): a magnetic ring around the charging coil automatically aligns the smartphone precisely with the charger. This prevents misalignment and can reduce energy losses by up to 30%.
The technology is based on Apple’s MagSafe, which Apple made available to the WPC. The key difference is that MagSafe remains Apple’s proprietary solution, while Qi2 is an open, cross-manufacturer standard. MagSafe works exclusively with Apple devices, whereas Qi2 is open to all manufacturers.
Important for owners of older devices: Qi2 chargers are backwards compatible with Qi1 devices. However, these devices charge without magnetic alignment and at a lower speed.
Qi2 is particularly relevant in Switzerland. According to the Comparis Smartphone Study 2025 (n = 2,091), 49.3% of Swiss adults use an iPhone and 37.2% use a Samsung device. Qi2 therefore directly affects the vast majority of smartphone users in Switzerland.
Qi2, Qi2 Ready and Qi2.2 – Three Terms, One Clear Difference
Various terms are used in connection with Qi2. Here is an overview so you can immediately see where your device stands:
- Qi2 (15W, since 2023): The original standard with an integrated magnetic ring and charging power of up to 15 watts. All iPhones from the iPhone 12 onwards support Qi2 natively.
- Qi2 Ready: Devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 support Qi2 charging speeds of up to 15W but do not have an integrated magnetic ring. The full Qi2 experience with magnetic attachment is only available when using a compatible magnetic protective case.
- Qi2.2 / Qi2 25W (since July 2025): The latest level offers charging power of up to 25 watts, around 67% faster than the original Qi2 standard. The iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL – the first Android device with native Qi2 25W support – already support this standard.
To put the speed into perspective: the iPhone 17 can charge wirelessly from 0 to 50% in around 30 minutes using Qi2 25W. This is a noticeable improvement over the previous 15W standard.
In July 2025, Belkin was one of the first companies to receive official Qi2 25W certification for an accessory. This shows that the ecosystem is already gaining momentum and certified accessories are becoming available.
The rule of thumb: check whether your device supports Qi2 natively, is labelled “Qi2 Ready”, or does not support Qi2. This determines which accessories you need.
Which Devices Support Qi2 – and Which Ones Need a Case?
The list of compatible devices is growing steadily. Here is an overview of the most important brands in Switzerland:
Apple iPhone: From the iPhone 12 onwards, Qi2 is supported natively thanks to the built-in magnetic ring. You do not need any additional accessories for magnetic attachment. The iPhone 17 goes one step further and already supports Qi2 25W.
Samsung Galaxy S25: The device is certified as “Qi2 Ready” and supports Qi2 charging speeds of up to 15W. However, it does not have an integrated magnetic ring. Without a suitable magnetic protective case, there is no magnetic attachment and no access to the growing Qi2 accessory ecosystem. This is the crucial point that many Samsung users are unaware of.
Samsung Galaxy S26: Expected to be the first Samsung flagship with a natively integrated Qi2 magnetic ring. For Android users, this would represent a significant shift.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: The first Android smartphone with native Qi2 25W support. It sets a new benchmark for the Android market.
Xiaomi, Oppo, Sony and older models: Many of these devices support Qi1. They can be charged on a Qi2 charger, but only with reduced performance and without magnetic alignment.
The key message: anyone with a Samsung Galaxy S25 who wants to take full advantage of Qi2 needs a certified magnetic protective case. This is an often-overlooked but important factor when choosing accessories.
The Right Case for Qi2: Why It Is Essential for Android Users
For “Qi2 Ready” devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S25, a magnetic protective case is not simply an optional extra – it is a requirement for magnetic attachment. Without the magnetic ring in the case, neither automatic alignment nor magnetic Qi2 accessories such as power banks, car mounts or wallets will work as intended.
What should you look for when buying a case? It should be explicitly labelled as Qi2-compatible. The integrated magnetic ring must be positioned precisely over the device’s charging coil to ensure reliable alignment.
At Cover-Discount.ch, you will find a wide range of model-specific magnetic protective cases for the Samsung Galaxy S25 and other Android devices. All products are checked in our warehouse in Pfungen, Zurich, before dispatch. Shipping is free, and orders placed before 4:00 pm are delivered within Switzerland the next day.
The same principle applies to iPhone users: if you use a third-party protective case, make sure it is Qi2-compatible. This ensures that MagSafe accessories continue to work reliably.
The Qi2 Ecosystem: More Than Just Faster Charging
Qi2 is more than just a charging standard. It enables an entire ecosystem of magnetic accessories. By the end of 2025, more than 1,841 Qi2-certified products across 12 categories were already available worldwide, including charging pads, stands, power banks, car mounts, camera grips, wallets and more.
Magnetic power banks are particularly convenient when travelling. Simply attach one to the back of your smartphone – no cable required. For Swiss users who commute frequently, this is a major advantage.
Qi2 car mounts automatically align the smartphone when it is attached and start charging immediately. Convenient, secure and hassle-free.
Qi2 also offers advantages in terms of sustainability: magnetic alignment can reduce energy losses by up to 30% compared with misaligned Qi1 charging. This provides a tangible efficiency benefit while also reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Another interesting point for budget-conscious consumers: according to the Comparis study, 15.7% of Swiss consumers use their smartphone for four years or longer. Qi2-compatible accessories and suitable cases can extend the practical usability of older devices and provide access to the magnetic accessory ecosystem.
According to Research and Markets, the global wireless charging market is expected to grow from around CHF 28 billion in 2025 to more than CHF 70 billion by 2032. Qi2 is therefore not a short-lived trend but is on its way to becoming the new standard.
Conclusion: Is Qi2 Worth It – and What Do You Need?
The answer depends on your device:
- iPhone 12 or newer: You are ready to go. Qi2 works natively without any additional accessories.
- Samsung Galaxy S25: Invest in a certified magnetic protective case to unlock the full Qi2 experience.
- Older Qi1 devices: A Qi2 charger will also work with these devices at reduced performance, making it a future-proof purchase.
Qi2 chargers are a worthwhile investment: they are backwards compatible with Qi1 and forward-compatible with Qi2.2 (25W). This means you are not only buying for your current smartphone, but also preparing for your next one.
First check whether your device supports Qi2 natively or is “Qi2 Ready”, then choose the appropriate case or charger.
At Cover-Discount.ch, you will find more than 50,000 accessories for over 50 device brands. As a certified member of HANDELSVERBAND.swiss, we offer free shipping, next-day delivery for orders placed before 4:00 pm, a 14-day return policy and payment by invoice – including for new customers.
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