Washer Apple MagSafe
Apple MagSage has new competition in the market with the gradual introduction of Qi2.Here’s how the two compare and what you need to know before the iPhone 15 launches.
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Qi2 debuted at CES 2023, promising to bring safer, faster wireless charging to all devices later this year.Unlike many deadlines in technology, the Wireless Energy Consortium delivers on that promise.
We first saw Qi2 devices at IFA in Berlin from the likes of Belkin, Anker and Mophie.As consumer interest has grown, there have also been questions about the differences between MagSafe and Qi2.
Let’s try to answer some of them.
Qi vs. MagSafe
MagSafe was first launched on the iPhone 12 as an Apple-specific Qi competitor.It was based on Qi but improved by surrounding the charging coil with magnets.
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The magnets allowed you to attach various accessories to your iPhone, such as wallets, stands, and batteries, and also helped with alignment.When using a Qi charger, if your phone is even slightly off-center, performance will suffer.
MagSafe is also more efficient than Qi as less power is wasted during the transfer process.This is mainly due to the precise alignment caused by the magnets.
The most important aspect is that MagSafe’s peak charging rate is 15W, while Apple limits Qi power to just 7.5W.
In a head-on comparison, MagSafe has a clear advantage over Qi.
Qi2 versus MagSafe
What causes difficulties is Qi2.The second generation of the standard is much more in line with MagSafe.
Qi2 at CES 2023
This is partly because Apple provided its MagSafe technology to the WPC as the basis for Qi2.Qi2, like MagSafe, charges at 15W and has a ring of magnets.
Unlike MagSafe, Qi2 will be generic and bring MagSafe-like technology to Android devices.
Which devices support Qi2 and MagSafe
Support for Qi2 and MagSafe is confusing due to a certain degree of backwards compatibility.
However, any MagSafe-enabled iPhone will work with Qi2, but at a slower 7.5W charging rate rather than the top 15W.
Charging with MagSafe
Rumor has it that the iPhone 15 will get Qi2 support, which makes sense given Apple’s significant contribution to Qi2 development.
Which is better to buy – Qi2 or MagSafe?
If you don’t have a Qi2 device, it’s best to use a MagSafe charger.In the end you will get higher speed.
The exception to this rule is when you plan to buy an iPhone 15 or other device that supports Qi2.Then the question of whether you choose Qi2 or MagSafe is up in the air.
This is how we think it will eventually happen.MagSafe and Qi2 will continue to co-exist in the market, with MagSafe being the premium tier.
We wouldn’t be surprised if most MagSafe chargers use premium materials like leather and metal, while Qi2 devices use more plastic.
MagSafe devices are approved and tested by Apple with a license fee.Qi2 development would be inherently cheaper given Apple’s related costs.
There is also the possibility that Apple will improve MagSafe in the future, perhaps adding faster charging or data transfer support.
Until then, users will be able to choose the charger of their choice with the same speed and magnetic capabilities.Assuming that Qi2 will indeed appear on the iPhone this fall.