This year saw one of the most exciting tech announcements in over a decade. We’re talking about Qi2. And we’re excited to announce that we’ll be launching a new Qi2-certified series in the new year.
But what exactly is Qi2? And what new products can you expect from iOttie? Read on for all the details.
WHAT IS QI2?
Qi2 is the new wireless charging standard from the Wireless Power Consortium that integrates Apple’s MagSafe technology.
Confused? Let’s unpack that. To fully understand Qi2, you have to understand both Qi wireless charging and MagSafe.
QI WIRELESS CHARGING
Qi wireless charging was introduced in 2010. It’s the technology that allows all modern smartphones (and several other mobile devices including AirPods) to charge wirelessly.
Qi-certified Android products are capable of charging at speeds of up to 15W, while Qi-certified iPhones can charge at speeds up to 7.5W.
MAGSAFE
In 2020, with the introduction of the iPhone 12, Apple introduced MagSafe for iPhone. MagSafe uses a series of magnets to improve the wireless charging speed of iPhones.
Basically, both MagSafe iPhones and MagSafe chargers have magnets built-in that help properly align the phone on the charger. This alignment leads to less energy loss and a faster charge. With a MagSafe-certified charger, you can charge your iPhone series 12 or later at speeds of up to 15W.
However, there’s a catch. Only MagSafe-certified chargers can reach the full 15W. Third party MagSafe compatible chargers top out at 7.5W. Also, MagSafe charging is an Apple exclusive, meaning Android users are out of luck.
WHICH BRINGS US BACK TO QI2
In January of 2023, the Wireless Power Consortium announced that it had worked with Apple to create the new Qi2 standard, effectively merging the two technologies.
Now, any third party charger that is Qi2-certified can charge MagSafe iPhones at 15W.
But there’s more. Because this is a Qi-standard and not an Apple exclusive, with Qi2, both Apple and Android phones can now take advantage of MagSafe’s magnetic attachment. Both Samsung and Google are expected to begin releasing Qi2-certified smartphones in 2024 (Apple already did so with the new iPhone 15 and iOS 17.2 and iOS 17.4 updates, which added Qi2 support for iPhone 12, 13, and 14 users too).
And on top of all that, Qi2’s 15W charging speed is only the initial capability. We’ll see even greater charging speeds across devices as the standard evolves.
Here’s a helpful chart that breaks it all down:
| Qi | MagSafe | Qi2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible Devices |
Wireless charging Android phones iPhone 8, X, XR, XS, SE, & 11 |
iPhone 12, 13, 14, & 15 |
Qi2-certified phones (Currently, only the iPhone 12, 13, 14, & 15 support Qi2) |
| Power Profile |
Android: Up to 15W iPhone: Up to 7.5W |
With MagSafe-certified charger: Up to 15W With MagSafe compatible charger: Up to 7.5W |
Qi2-certified smartphones: Up to 15W |
| Magnetic Attachment | No | Yes | Yes |
INTRODUCING VELOX GEN 2
To help you take advantage of the new Qi2 charging standard, we’re excited to announce our Velox Gen 2 series of car mounts and wireless chargers.
Building on the power, convenience, and elegance of our original Velox series, the new Velox Gen 2 car mounts will be Qi2-certified and compatible with all Qi2-enabled devices (as well as older MagSafe iPhones) providing fast, wireless charging at speeds of up to 15W.
The entire series will be presented in black with soft silicone finishes.
Velox Gen 2 will debut in 2024 beginning with the Velox Mini Qi2 Wireless Air Vent Mount and the Velox Pro Qi2 Wireless Dash & Windshield Mount.
VELOX MINI QI2 WIRELESS AIR VENT MOUNT
The Velox Mini Qi2 is a compact and discrete wireless charging air vent mount. A series of built-in ventilation holes help dissipate heat generated during wireless charging, while a versatile ball joint that rotates 360° gives you full control over the viewing angle.
VELOX PRO QI2 WIRELESS DASH & WINDSHIELD MOUNT
The Velox Pro Qi2 combines wireless fast charging with our patented CryoFlow™ cooling technology for a superior charging experience. Created to address the problem of overheating, the Velox Pro Qi2 effectively draws heat away from your phone, for a 25% faster charge.
The Velox Pro Qi2 securely installs on your vehicle windshield or dash via the included dashboard pad. An adjustable telescopic arm allows you to extend the mount while the mount head rotates and tilts.
SEE YOU AT CES!
We’ll be previewing both new Velox Gen 2 car mounts in January 2024 during Pepcom’s Digital Experience! at CES in Las Vegas. Keep an eye on our Instagram for up-to-date coverage.
