Qi2 to Reach 50W: Ultra-Fast Wireless Charging on Pixel and iPhone

What happened?

According to a report from 9to5Google, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) is working on an update to the Qi2 standard that will double the maximum wireless charging power from 25W to 50W. Although the news is based on unofficial sources, the publication notes that the WPC has held meetings to define the technical specifications for this improvement, which could reach commercial devices in the coming years. This move responds to the growing demand for wireless charging speeds that compete with wired charging, an area where Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and OnePlus have already advanced with proprietary solutions of up to 50W and even 80W.

Why is it important?

Until now, wireless charging has been significantly slower than wired charging. The 25W of Qi2 already represented an advancement over the original Qi's 15W, but 50W would match or exceed many mid-range wired chargers. This would remove one of the main barriers to mass adoption of wireless charging: speed. Additionally, Qi2's magnetic alignment reduces energy loss and improves efficiency, so effective 50W could translate to full charges in under an hour. To put it in context, an iPhone 15 Pro Max with 27W wired charging takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to charge to 100%, while with 50W wireless, that time could drop to under an hour. In the case of a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which supports 45W wired charging, 50W wireless charging would be even faster than its own wired charging.

Market implications

• Google Pixel and iPhone: Both manufacturers have adopted Qi2 in their latest models (Pixel 9 and iPhone 15/16), so they are likely to integrate the new power in future generations. Apple, which has historically been cautious with wireless charging, could greatly benefit by offering competitive speeds without needing a proprietary standard like MagSafe (currently limited to 15W on most devices).
• Accessory ecosystem: Charging pad manufacturers will need to update their products to support 50W, potentially sparking a new wave of innovation. Companies like Anker, Belkin, and Samsung already have 25W Qi2 charger lines, and are expected to launch 50W versions once the standard is finalized. This will also drive adoption of multi-device chargers that can charge several devices simultaneously at high speeds.
• Competition with proprietary charging: Brands like OnePlus or Xiaomi already offer wireless charging up to 50W, but with closed standards. Qi2 would unify the market, allowing any certified charger to work with any compatible device. This is similar to what happened with USB-PD fast charging, which standardized wired charging and reduced fragmentation. However, Chinese brands may resist abandoning their proprietary solutions, as they allow differentiation and exclusive accessory sales.

What should readers know?

The specification is not yet officially confirmed by the WPC, and timelines are uncertain. The first devices with 50W Qi2 charging are expected to arrive in 2027 or later. Additionally, actual power will depend on manufacturer implementation and thermal management. High-power wireless charging generates more heat, which can degrade the battery over time. Therefore, manufacturers are likely to implement active cooling systems, such as fans or heat sinks, in charging pads. For now, users can continue using 25W Qi2 chargers, which will remain compatible with future devices, albeit at lower speeds. It's also important to note that 50W wireless charging will require precise magnetic alignment, so chargers without magnets may not achieve that power. In summary, the upgrade to 50W is a significant step toward wireless charging maturity, but its actual implementation will depend on collaboration between the WPC and manufacturers to ensure safety, efficiency, and compatibility.