### Why Are Companies Taking Their Time to Back Qi2 If Magnets Aren’t Essential?
The Wireless Power Consortium’s (WPC) Qi2 charging standard was anticipated to be a transformative force in the realm of wireless charging. With promises of accelerated charging rates and the integration of a Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) designed to facilitate compatibility with Apple’s MagSafe accessories, Qi2 appeared ready to change the landscape. However, its implementation has been far from seamless, and the industry’s adoption of the standard has been sluggish. The ambiguity around the requirement of magnets in Qi2-certified devices has only intensified the confusion.
#### Key Points to Consider
– **Qi2’s Primary Attraction**: The Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) is the key highlight of Qi2, enabling devices to connect with magnetic accessories such as MagSafe chargers, wallets, and cases.
– **Certification Confusion**: Despite the buzz, it turns out that devices aren’t required to support the MPP to achieve Qi2 certification, resulting in a puzzling scenario for both consumers and manufacturers.
#### The Expectations of Qi2
When Apple transferred its proprietary MagSafe technology to the WPC for incorporation into the Qi2 specification, it was viewed as a groundbreaking advancement. The new standard was projected to elevate the maximum wireless charging speed from 7.5W to 15W and, more critically, introduced the MPP. This element was anticipated to extend the seamless magnetic connection experience associated with MagSafe to a wider array of devices, including Android smartphones.
Nevertheless, the actual situation has proven to be considerably more complex. While it was initially believed that the MPP was a compulsory aspect of Qi2 certification, this has since been clarified as incorrect. Devices can receive Qi2 certification solely based on their capability to support 15W wireless charging, even if they lack the magnetic functionalities that were expected to define the new standard.
#### The Ambiguity Surrounding Qi2 Certification
The discovery that Qi2 and MPP exist as distinct entities has generated considerable confusion. Android expert Mishaal Rahman elaborated on this matter in a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting that numerous Qi2-certified products completely lack magnets. This has resulted in a situation where consumers may notice the Qi2 logo on a device and presume it offers magnetic charging, only to find themselves disappointed.
The WPC’s stance on Qi2 certification has further complicated matters. According to a press release from November 2023, devices that fulfill the Qi2 criteria absent the MPP will still carry the existing Qi logo, which consumers associated with the older and slower 7.5W charging standard. This has led to a convoluted scenario where the Qi logo might represent either 7.5W or 15W charging speeds, leaving no straightforward method to distinguish between them.
#### Why Aren’t Companies Quickly Adopting Qi2?
Given the potential advantages of Qi2, it’s perplexing that many companies haven’t hastened to implement the standard. Currently, the HMD Skyline is the sole flagship Android smartphone to showcase Qi2 support. Major players like Google and Samsung have had numerous chances to incorporate Qi2 in their products yet have opted not to.
One potential reason could be that manufacturers are reluctant to commit resources to a standard that doesn’t necessitate the MPP. The magnetic features of Qi2 were intended to be its signature trait, but if firms can achieve certification without them, they may perceive little motivation to go beyond the basics. Furthermore, the ambiguity surrounding the certification process and the potential for consumer misunderstanding might discourage companies from fully adopting the standard.
#### The Prospects of Qi2
The rollout of Qi2 has experienced considerable bumps along the way, and the lack of widespread uptake is troubling. The WPC’s choice to permit Qi2 certification without mandating the MPP has cultivated a perplexing condition that could undermine the standard’s capabilities. If manufacturers persist in overlooking the magnetic attributes of Qi2, the standard may not fulfill its promise of delivering the MagSafe experience to a broader selection of devices.
For Qi2 to truly thrive, makers need to commit to integrating the MPP in their products. The magnetic connection was expected to be the defining factor that differentiated Qi2 from its forerunner, and in its absence, the standard risks evolving into just another minor update. The WPC must also furnish clearer instructions regarding Qi2 certification to guarantee that consumers are aware of what to expect when they encounter the Qi2 logo.
In summary, while Qi2 has the potential to transform wireless charging, its triumph will hinge on whether companies are prepared to fully commit to the standard’s advantages. The current state represents a lost opportunity, but there remains time for the industry to redirect its course and establish Qi2 as the revolutionary force it was intended to be.
