The evolution of the Qi wireless charging standard. The first-generation Qi1 (2010) started with 5W, and later increased to 15W through the Extended Power Profile (EPP), laying the foundation for wireless charging. The Qi2.0 launched in 2023 innovatively introduced Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) technology, which significantly improved energy efficiency and device alignment accuracy while maintaining 15W power.
Qi2.1, released in 2024, further expanded scenario compatibility, adding support for magnetic phone cases (such as the Samsung Galaxy S25) and movable coils (for in-vehicle applications). The upcoming Qi2.2 plans to increase power to 25W, continuing the advantages of magnetic alignment and enhancing temperature control management to meet the needs of high-performance devices.
Qi1
Qi1, the first wireless charging standard launched by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) in 2010, adopts electromagnetic induction technology. Initially, its maximum power was 5W, and later in 2015, the Extended Power Profile (EPP) was added, raising the maximum power to 15W. Qi1 is applicable to lightweight devices such as smartphones and earphones, promoting the basic popularization of wireless charging. It adopts a coil alignment design without magnetic alignment function, which may lead to reduced efficiency due to positional deviation. Nevertheless, Qi1 has established a relatively complete safety mechanism, such as Foreign Object Detection (FOD) and temperature control protection, serving as an important foundation for subsequent standards.
Qi2.0
Officially released in 2023, Qi2.0 introduced the "magnetic alignment" mechanism (Magnetic Power Profile, MPP for short), essentially incorporating the core concept of Apple's MagSafe. The charging power remains at 15W, but the magnetic attraction function brings higher energy efficiency, less heat loss, and a better user experience. Qi2.0 focuses on magnetic ecosystem devices such as mobile phones and accessories, and supports compatible charging of Qi1 devices. It strengthens safety mechanisms and improves foreign object detection, becoming the first truly standardized magnetic wireless charging solution. Apple has fully adopted it since the iPhone 12 series.
Qi2.1
Launched in 2024, Qi2.1 expands magnetic application scenarios based on Qi2.0. It adds the "Qi2 Ready" certification system, allowing non-magnetic phones to realize MPP functions through dedicated magnetic cases. Currently, it is mainly supported by the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, and more models are expected to support it in the future. In addition, it introduces "movable coil transmitter" technology, enabling the transmitter coil to move and align with the receiving device, improving the efficiency of in-vehicle wireless charging. The charging power remains 15W, but it is more refined in compatibility and user experience. Qi2.1 also adds certification details such as camera interference testing, adapts to more device structures, and further expands into the automotive and multi-form accessory ecosystems.
Qi2.2
Scheduled for release by the end of 2024, Qi2.2 features the major change of increasing wireless charging power to 25W, making it the highest-power version in the current Qi standards. It still relies on the magnetic alignment mechanism of Qi2 but further enhances energy efficiency and heat dissipation management.
This standard mainly targets future high-power mobile devices and remains backward compatible with Qi2.0 and Qi1. It is known that brands such as Apple and Google plan to launch new products supporting Qi2.2, which is expected to push wireless charging into the era of "high-speed primary charging".