Android phones are the first with many famous standards. They were the first to support 4G, 5G, USB-C (way back in 2015 no less) and in-screen fingerprint sensors. And when it comes to wireless charging, you can trace that line back to Samsung Galaxy S3 from 2012 (although the webOS-powered Palm Pre and the Touchstone charger is the real OG). Unfortunately, when it comes to adding support for the Qi2 wireless charging standard to devices in 2024, it feels like Android phone makers are stuck with endless patch notes.

The Qi2 standard used to be officially announced in early 2023 during CES. We still give an awardsince the spec looks to bring 15-watt wireless charging (and possibly more in future revisions), improved safety and the critical introduction of Magnetic Power Profiles that make it a cinch to align and attaching compatible charging pads. In essence, Qi2 is set to bring the simplicity and ease of use iPhone owners enjoy with MagSafe products to the Android ecosystem.

What’s even more surprising is that in a rare move for a company that likes to keep its technology neatly within the walls of its ecosystem, Apple shared the core features of the MagSafe spec to other members of Wireless Power Consortium (which is the governing body that oversees the Qi and Qi2 standards) to facilitate development and interoperability. So you’d think that after seeing the convenience​​​​​​​​ and popularity of MagSafe accessories among iPhone users, Android phone manufacturers would rush to add Qi2 to as many devices as possible. But nearly two full years after the spec was finalized, the total number of Android handsets that support Qi2 is at one: the HMD Skyline.

At this point, you can say that product development cycles are multi-year processes that are difficult to change before launch. And in most cases, you’re probably right. But let’s be honest, unlike Samsung, Google, Lenovo and others who did not see this coming. Like Apple, almost all major Android phone manufacturers are too member of the WPCso they can learn about the development of Qi2 before it is officially announced. On top of that, the first iPhone with MagSafe was iPhone 12which came out four years ago. So although we think that the first time that Samsung, Google et al presented the idea of ​​a magnetic wireless charging system during the Apple keynote in the fall of 2020, you can imagine that it will be more than enough time to engineering the same technology for. will be used on current Galaxy and Pixel handsets.

For manufacturers, another concern when adopting a new standard is that there are not enough accessories and other compatible peripherals sold to make the implementation of the new technology worthwhile. We’ve seen this before with modular phones like LG G5 and Moto Z Force line and the funky palm-reading tech of LG G8. However, because Qi2 and MagSafe gadgets most are interchangeablethere is now a large market of options such as Anker’s MagGo line of power banks, which are some of my favorite portable battery packs.

Another annoyance is that some phones like Razr Plus and Pixel 9 Pro Fold however stick magnetically on some Qi2 accessories and can even sip a little juice. Unfortunately, this is a coincidence caused by the magnets used to help keep the foldables open or closed, rather than an intentional use case. This means that although these devices may appear to support Qi2 at first glance, the accessories do not maintain a firm grip and often slide even in what appears to be good conditions. Even cases that claim to add support for Qi2 are hit or miss, resulting in a poor experience for Android phone owners hoping to recreate the magic of MagSafe in themselves. It’s a shame, because it almost feels like a few small tweaks by Google, Moto and others could unlock Qi2 support on a wider range of devices that don’t have it. a ton of extra effort or expense.

Unfortunately, while many Chinese phone manufacturers have avoided Qi2 up to this point, that’s to be expected of manufacturers like Oppo who have always favored proprietary tech like this. 65-watt AirVOOC wireless charging instead of the more widely available industry standard. And since the Galaxy S24 family comes out at the beginning of 2024, Samsung doesn’t have much time to add Qi2 to its current flagship lineup like Google, which launched the Pixel 9 series just a few months ago. Regardless, it still doesn’t explain the general reluctance of OEMs to adopt what I would argue is one of the most meaningful upgrades to accessibility and overall usability you can add to a smartphones today.

But the most disappointing thing is that six months ago, our friends at CNET pondering why we are there Haven’t seen any Qi2 Android phones yet. And as we approach the end of the year, there’s still one model trying to spark hope that 2025 will be different. So kudos to HMD for doing what Samsung, Google et al. can’t be bothered to find out. Now I’m just worried that if it doesn’t change next year, one of the most promising standards may end up in the grave (at least for Android phones) before getting a chance to improve.