Qi2 is ready, but what will be the first Android phone to support it?

CES 2024 has just begun, and it brings up memories of last year's significant announcement of the new Qi2 standard. The Qi2 standard, which supports MagSafe as a universal standard, was introduced last January, but we haven't seen much Android phone support yet. The question on everyone's minds is which Android phone will be the first to support Qi2. This 9to5Google Weekender is part of a redesigned 9to5Google newsletter that brings you the most important stories about Google, with additional commentary and tidbits. Sign up here to receive it directly in your inbox! Wireless charging is evolving with the Qi2 standard, not based on speed but ease of use and efficiency. Apple has used a ring of magnets in its iPhone series for the past few years, now standardized by Qi2 under the reused term MagSafe. There's a bit of confusion with cases and accessories for Android that have already somewhat adopted the idea. Qi2 was finalized a few months back, with the iPhone 15 series being the first smartphones to officially support Qi2 and Apple has extended Qi2 support to older MagSafe iPhones. Yet, no Android phone supports Qi2 yet. Considering the Qi2 standard has only recently been finalized, this is not shocking. It would be nearly impossible for any brand, no matter how eager, to quickly release a phone with Qi2. The OnePlus 12 was launched without this support, and the next probable chance is with Samsung's Galaxy S24 series. However, realistically, Qi2 support might not be available on these devices. If it was coming, we would probably have heard about it amidst the recent flurry of leaks. Therefore, it's unclear which Android phone will incorporate Qi2 first. It's technically possible that no new device will adopt the standard this year. Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem's popularity does provide motivation to back Qi2. Currently, Google's Pixel 9 series seems the most likely candidate. Some limited evidence suggests this, and Google's October release window is fairly well placed for adoption. While Samsung's next Galaxy foldables batch is also well timed for this, the complexity of foldables makes it unlikely to also include a brand new standard. Motorola's flagship Edge was launched in Spring 2023, so the same timeline for this year is probably too soon. The Asus Zenfone series might have a good shot if a new Zenfone is launched in the Summer. OnePlus' attitude towards wireless charging doesn't suggest they'll quickly adopt Qi2. If LG hadn't withdrawn, they could have been the first Android phone to adopt Qi2, but it appears 2024 won't be the year of MagSafe for Android. We would know by now if Qi2 were going to be in any smartphones launching soon. However, the fact that Qi2 is coming is exciting and worth the wait. Please share your thoughts on the first Android phone to incorporate Qi2. A peek at Assistant with Bard was showcased by Kyle Bradshaw. Samsung confirmed the Galaxy S24 series launch on January 17. CES 2024 runs from January 9 to 12, with significant announcements expected, particularly from Google. Our coverage of CES will include more news about Windows on 9to5Google, given the growing popularity of Windows machines among Android users. More stories from the 9to5 Universe include Apple's 2024 plans, MSI's upcoming gaming handheld, the Claw, Kia's new EV9 outperforming Toyota's sole EV, and Deepwater's prediction of Apple acquiring Peloton.