The standard is being developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and will be a followup to the Qi wireless charging standard.
With Qi2, however, the WPC hope to to “unify the industry under one global standard.”
Apple, who are member of the consortium, are allowing the standard developers to use its MagSafe, the company’s magnetic wireless charging technology for iPhones.
Apple and other WPC members developed the new Magnetic Power Profile, which is at the core of Qi2.
WPC said it hopes to clear up any confusion “concerning what devices are Qi Certified and those that claim to work with Qi but are not Qi Certified.” With the WPC adding that “this confusion can lead to a poor user experience and even safety issues.”
Paul Struhsaker, WPC executive director, said. “Our standard assures consumers that their devices are safe, efficient, and interoperable with other brands. Qi2 will be the global standard for wireless charging and provide consumers and retailers with that assurance.”
Struhsaker said that the development of a global wireless standard would also help “greatly reduce the landfill waste associated with wired charger replacement due to plugs breaking and the stress placed on cords from daily connecting and disconnecting.”
Qi2-certified mobile phones and chargers are expected to be available for the 2023 holiday season.