Qi2 vs Qi2.2 (Qi2 25W): what changed, and which one to source
Qi2 tops out at 15W. Qi2.2 — marketed as Qi2 25W — keeps the same magnets and pushes to 25W. Here is what that means for buyers.
Qi2 and Qi2.2 are both standards from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Both use a ring of magnets to snap the phone onto the charger, which is why they work like Apple's MagSafe. The difference is power: Qi2 charges at up to 15W, while Qi2.2 charges at up to 25W.
Three names, one standard
The WPC announced Qi2 25W in July 2025. Its technical name is Qi v2.2.1, the industry calls it Qi2.2, and the WPC logo programme calls it Qi2 25W. They are the same thing. On packaging, "Qi2 25W" is the term shoppers will recognise.
| Qi2 | Qi2.2 / Qi2 25W | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum power | 15W | 25W |
| Magnetic alignment | Yes | Yes |
| Charges older Qi phones | Yes, at lower power | Yes, at lower power |
| Heat to manage | Moderate | Higher — cooling matters |
Which phones charge at 25W?
Support depends on the phone. The iPhone 17 line supports Qi2 25W, and iPhone 16 models (not 16e) can reach 25W on iOS 26 with a 30W or larger adapter. Google's Pixel 10 Pro XL supports it, and Samsung Galaxy S25 and S26 phones get magnetic alignment through "Qi2 Ready" cases. Older Qi phones still charge on a Qi2.2 pad — just slower.
Why heat decides the real speed
A charger that is certified for 25W only delivers 25W while the phone stays cool. When the phone heats up, it throttles. That is why our 25W stations use active cooling — a fan in the Q66-A and a semiconductor (TEC) cooler in the Q26-D — so they hold full power for longer.
Which one should you source?
- Selling to iPhone-heavy markets at a premium price: Qi2.2 (25W).
- Entry price points or older-phone markets: a 15W build in the same housing.
- Both: choose a model offered as Q (25W), P (15W) and S (cost-optimised 15W) on one mould, so you only pay for tooling once.
What to check on a Qi2 25W sample
- The WPC database entry says Qi2 25W for that exact type number, not just Qi2.
- Charge a supported iPhone from 20% for 30 minutes and log the result next to a 15W pad.
- Measure the surface temperature after 30 minutes; a cooled design should stay noticeably cooler.
- Check the input spec: 25W wireless needs a USB-C PD adapter of 30W or more.
What the 25W build adds to cost
A Qi2 25W build costs more than a 15W one: the certified transmitter, certification per model and the cooling hardware all add to the bill of materials. Sharing one housing across both builds keeps tooling a one-off cost. See the cooled Q66-A and Q26-D, the Qi2.2 magnetic line and the 3-in-1 stations offered in Q, P and S builds.
Only buy "Qi2 25W" products that are listed in the WPC database. Words like "Qi2 compatible" usually mean the product was never certified.
