Apple made a surprising move by gifting its MagSafe technology to the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) for inclusion in the Qi2 wireless charging specification. This decision was expected to revolutionize wireless charging across the industry, but the rollout of Qi2 has left much to be desired.

With confusion surrounding the implementation of key features like the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), it's worth asking: has the Qi2 launch been mishandled by the WPC, Android device manufacturers, and accessory makers?

What Did the Qi2 Promise?

Wireless charging has become a standard feature in most devices, with the Qi standard leading the charge-except for a few exceptions like smartwatches.

Qi2, the latest iteration of this standard from the WPC, was highly anticipated due to its exciting upgrades. Not only does it double the maximum wireless charging speed from 7.5W to 15W, but it also introduces the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), a feature expected to significantly enhance the user experience.

Just imagine it as the "MagSafe for Android," as GSM Arena writes in its report. Somewhat, they serve a similar purpose.

The Misconception: Qi2 and Magnetic Power Profile Are Not the Same

Many in the industry, including tech enthusiasts, assumed that Qi2 would automatically include the MPP. This assumption was logical, as the MPP is an open-source version of Apple's proprietary magnetic connection system, designed to allow devices that support Qi2 to connect seamlessly with MagSafe chargers and accessories. However, recent revelations indicate that this is not the case.

According to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, Qi2 and MPP are distinct from one another.

Rahman pointed out in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that a device or accessory could earn the Qi2 branding for supporting 15W wireless charging without necessarily including magnets. This discovery has clarified that the Qi2 specification can exist independently of the MPP, which has created confusion in the market.

The Impact of a Fragmented Rollout

The confusion deepened when Rahman linked to a press release from the WPC, which outlined how Qi, Qi2 MPP, and Qi2 Extended Power Profile (EPP) would be utilized moving forward.

The WPC's approach to branding and certification has led to both clarity and confusion. On the one hand, if you see the Qi2 logo with a ring around it, you can be confident that the device supports both Qi2 charging speeds and magnets.

On the other hand, the original Qi standard has become convoluted, as devices could now support either 7.5W or 15W charging speeds, with no clear indication from the logo alone.

Pros and Cons of the WPC's Approach

The WPC's handling of the Qi2 rollout has its advantages and disadvantages. The introduction of the Qi2 logo with a ring to indicate magnetic capabilities is a positive step. It provides consumers with a clear visual cue to identify devices and accessories that fully utilize the new standard's features. However, the decision to allow Qi2 branding for devices without MPP dilutes the value of the logo and may lead to consumer confusion.

Moreover, the original Qi standard's flexibility-supporting both 7.5W and 15W charging speeds-has become a double-edged sword. While it offers compatibility across a broader range of devices, it also creates uncertainty for consumers trying to determine whether their device supports faster charging speeds without the need for additional research.

While Apple's move to unify the wireless charging experience is a game-changer, the execution for the Qi2 has been less than ideal.

The rollout, marked by unclear distinctions between its various components, has left both consumers and manufacturers in a state of confusion.

Moving forward, it's crucial for the WPC to refine its communication and branding strategies to ensure that the promise of Qi2 is fully realized without leaving users in the dark.