Qi 2.2 on the Way with 50W Wireless Charging, Samsung Yet to Fully Adopt Qi 2.1

The Qi wireless charging standard is about to get a significant upgrade. The Wireless Power Consortium’s (WPC) latest standard, Qi 2.2, promises speeds of up to 50W. Apple is already gearing up to launch Qi 2.2-certified products, while Samsung is still playing catch-up. It has yet to fully embrace Qi 2.1, let alone the newer standard.

Apple prepares new products with Qi 2.2, but what is Samsung doing?

Recently, two new Apple MagSafe chargers surfaced on Taiwan’s NCC certification site, revealing support for Qi 2.2 and charging speeds up to 45W. Identified by model numbers A3502 and A3503, these puck-style wireless chargers are likely to be launched in the third quarter of 2025, possibly alongside the iPhone 17 series.

The devices come with USB-C connectors and braided cables (1m and 2m variants), and the 100mm puck lists an output of 15V at 3A, equating to 45W. Notably, they were tested with multiple iPhone models, including the iPhone 16 and iPhone 11, indicating broad compatibility.

Qi 2.2 improves upon its predecessor with features like up to 50W wireless charging speeds, enhanced magnetic alignment, higher efficiency, backward compatibility, and cross-brand accessory support, promoting a universal charging ecosystem. These enhancements make wireless charging faster, safer, and more reliable, a significant step forward in universal wireless charging tech.

Unfortunately, Samsung is trailing behind the competition in wireless charging innovation. While it adopted the Qi 2.1 standard earlier this year, the implementation falls short of its full potential. The Galaxy S25 series supports Qi 2.1’s magnetic alignment and accessory attachment features. However, it works only when used with compatible magnetic cases, not through built-in magnets like some rivals offer.

There is hope, still

Flagship Galaxy phones max out at 15W of wireless charging, and Samsung isn’t upgrading to higher speeds with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. Recent WPC certifications suggest the new foldables will offer the same half-baked Qi2 experience.

However, there is hope. Samsung’s System LSI division has developed a new S2MIW06 power management chip that supports up to 50W wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging capabilities. This chip could make its debut in future Galaxy flagships, possibly with the Galaxy S26 next year. If it does, Samsung could regain momentum and catch up to its rivals in the wireless charging race.