Qi2 vs MagSafe: What's the Difference?

The wireless charging landscape has evolved dramatically since Apple introduced MagSafe in 2020. What was once an Apple-exclusive feature—magnetic alignment for perfect charging every time—is now available to all smartphones through the Qi2 standard. But what exactly are the differences between these technologies, and which should you choose? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Understanding these standards isn't just technical trivia—it directly affects which chargers work with your devices, how fast they charge, and what accessories you can use. Let's dive into the details.

A Brief History: How We Got Here

Wireless charging became mainstream with the original Qi standard (pronounced "chee"), developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Qi provided a universal standard that allowed any Qi-compatible phone to charge on any Qi charger, regardless of brand. However, early Qi charging was relatively slow and required careful phone placement—off-centre alignment significantly reduced charging speed.

Apple addressed the alignment problem with MagSafe in 2020. By adding a ring of magnets to iPhone 12 and newer models, Apple ensured phones would snap into the perfect position every time. This magnetic alignment also enabled a new ecosystem of accessories, from wallets to car mounts.

The challenge was that MagSafe was proprietary to Apple. Android users were left out, and charger manufacturers had to make separate products for each ecosystem. Enter Qi2, released in 2024, which incorporates magnetic alignment into the universal Qi standard—essentially bringing MagSafe-style features to everyone.

MagSafe: Apple's Proprietary System

MagSafe is Apple's wireless charging and accessory system for iPhone 12 and newer models. It combines wireless charging with a ring of magnets that provides two key benefits: perfect coil alignment for efficient charging, and a secure attachment point for accessories.

MagSafe Key Features

• 15W fast charging: MagSafe chargers deliver up to 15W on compatible iPhones, compared to 7.5W on standard Qi chargers.
• Magnetic alignment: Strong magnets ensure perfect positioning every time.
• Accessory ecosystem: Wallets, battery packs, car mounts, and other accessories attach magnetically.
• Apple certification: MagSafe chargers go through Apple's Made for iPhone (MFi) program for quality assurance.
• iPhone-specific features: MagSafe triggers special animations and integrates with iOS features.

MagSafe Limitations

• iPhone only: True MagSafe functionality requires iPhone 12 or newer.
• Premium pricing: MFi certification adds to manufacturing costs, making MagSafe accessories more expensive.
• Limited third-party options: Certification requirements limit the number of available accessories.

Qi2: The Universal Standard

Qi2 is the next generation of the universal Qi wireless charging standard. Its headline feature is the Magnetic Power Profile, which brings MagSafe-style magnetic alignment to all smartphones—Android included. Qi2 was specifically designed to be compatible with MagSafe, meaning Qi2 chargers work with iPhones and vice versa.

Qi2 Key Features

• 15W charging: Matches MagSafe's maximum speed for compatible devices.
• Universal compatibility: Works with any Qi2-compatible device, regardless of manufacturer.
• Magnetic alignment: Same magnet ring positioning as MagSafe for cross-compatibility.
• Open standard: Any manufacturer can create Qi2 products without Apple licensing fees.
• Future-proofed: The standard is designed to support faster charging speeds as technology improves.

Qi2 Limitations

• Requires new devices: Older phones need hardware updates to support Qi2 magnetics natively.
• Still rolling out: As of 2026, Qi2 devices are becoming common but not yet universal.
• Accessory ecosystem developing: Fewer Qi2 accessories available compared to mature MagSafe lineup.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Let's compare these standards across the factors that matter most to users:

Charging Speed

Both MagSafe and Qi2 support up to 15W wireless charging, but actual speeds depend on your specific device:

• iPhone 12-14: 15W with MagSafe or Qi2
• iPhone 15 and newer: 15W with MagSafe or Qi2
• Qi2 Android phones: Varies by manufacturer, typically 15W
• Older Qi-only phones: Limited to standard Qi speeds (typically 5-10W)

Verdict: Tie. Both standards offer identical maximum charging speeds.

Compatibility

This is where things get interesting. Qi2 was designed for cross-compatibility, but there are nuances:

• Qi2 chargers with iPhones: Full compatibility with iPhone 12 and newer, including magnetic alignment and 15W speeds.
• MagSafe chargers with Qi2 Android phones: Works for charging and magnetic alignment.
• Either charger with older Qi phones: Works for charging but without magnetic alignment (phone must be positioned manually).

Verdict: Qi2 wins for versatility. A single Qi2 charger works optimally with all modern phones.

Accessory Ecosystem

MagSafe has a significant head start here, with years of accessories from Apple and third parties:

• MagSafe accessories: Extensive selection of wallets, battery packs, car mounts, stands, and more.
• Qi2 accessories: Growing selection, with most MagSafe accessories working due to compatible magnet positioning.

Verdict: MagSafe has more options today, but Qi2 can use most MagSafe accessories anyway.

Price

MFi certification adds to MagSafe accessory costs, while Qi2 certification is less expensive for manufacturers:

• Official Apple MagSafe charger: Premium pricing
• Third-party MagSafe (MFi certified): Moderate pricing
• Qi2 certified chargers: Competitive pricing, often matching or beating MagSafe alternatives

Verdict: Qi2 chargers tend to be more affordable while offering equivalent functionality.

Which Should You Choose?

The good news is that you mostly don't have to choose—they're largely interchangeable. However, here are specific recommendations based on your situation:

Choose MagSafe Chargers If:

• You use iPhone exclusively and want guaranteed Apple-certified quality
• You want iOS-specific features like charging animations
• You're building out a MagSafe accessory collection
• You prefer buying directly from Apple or Apple-certified retailers

Choose Qi2 Chargers If:

• You use Android or switch between iPhone and Android
• You want the best value without sacrificing performance
• You're buying chargers for a household with mixed devices
• You prefer open standards over proprietary ecosystems
• You want the widest range of product options

The Future of Wireless Charging

Both MagSafe and Qi2 will continue to evolve. The Wireless Power Consortium has announced plans for faster Qi2 charging speeds in future versions, potentially reaching 30W or higher. Apple typically implements WPC standards while adding proprietary features, so we can expect MagSafe to continue offering iPhone-specific enhancements.

For Android users, Qi2 adoption is accelerating. Most flagship Android phones released in 2025 and beyond include Qi2 support, and the accessory ecosystem is expanding rapidly. The days of Android users being excluded from magnetic charging are over.

Making Your Decision

The rivalry between Qi2 and MagSafe is somewhat overstated—they're more like siblings than competitors. Apple contributed its technology to create Qi2, and the standards are intentionally compatible. The real winner is consumers, who now have access to fast, convenient magnetic charging regardless of which smartphone brand they prefer.

For most users, we recommend Qi2-certified chargers as the default choice. You get excellent performance, broad compatibility, and typically better pricing. If you're deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and want that extra layer of Apple certification, MagSafe remains an excellent option that works identically in day-to-day use.

Whichever you choose, you're getting a significant upgrade over the old days of carefully positioning your phone on a charging pad and hoping it stayed in place. Magnetic alignment is a genuine improvement in user experience, and it's wonderful that it's now available to everyone.