CES 2024: Qi2 Brings MagSafe to Non-Apple Chargers
You can now get MagSafe-like magnetic fast charging for both iPhones and Android, thanks to the new Qi2 charging standard.
The MagSafe is a great connector: It can charge your iPhone up to 15W, and it does so wirelessly, and seamlessly. The magnets snap on, and away you go. But MagSafe products are controlled by Apple, and until now, it was the only way to get the 15W charging, and the magnetic-snapping experience.
No more. The new version of the open Qi charging standard, Qi2, brings the same MagSafe features to third-party accessories, which don’t need Apple’s (costly and time-consuming) approval. If you’re using an iPhone 13 or higher running iOS 17.2 or later, you can use a Qi2 charger natively—just snap it to the back.
Qi2 is still fairly new—Apple only announced support for it with the introduction of iPhone 15—so third-party options were quite low. That is, until CES 2024, where a handful of popular accessories maker introduced their own Qi2 charging stands, cables, battery packs, and all-in-one solutions. If you love MagSafe, and you want more of it, here are the best options.
Belkin
Belkin’s new BoostCharge Pro is already a popular choice, and the Qi2 version improves upon it. You can now adjust the charging pad at any angle, and your iPhone can comfortably sit in a landscape position. The stand will cost %150 and will be available in select markets worldwide starting in March.
More interestingly, they have a new battery pack that can wirelessly charge your iPhone at 15W. The BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank will be available in 5,000mAh, 8,000mAh, and 10,000mAh options for $60, $80, and $100, respectively. There’s pass-through charging so you can charge the power bank and your iPhone at the same time.
There’s also a convertible Qi2 charger that can switch between a stand mode and a pad mode.
Hyper
Hyper also has a great new 4-in-1 HyperJuice Qi2 charging stand. It costs $149.99 and has support for 15W fast charging for iPhone, along with Apple Watch, and AirPods.
Their 10,000mAh HyperJuice Qi2 power bank will sell for $129.99, and it can charge your iPhone at 15W without any issues. Plus, there’s also a section for charging your Apple Watch.
Anker
Anker was the first one to announce Qi2 chargers, and their products are already shipping. Here are a couple of great options:
MagGo Power Bank: A power bank with a stand mode, and 6,600 mAh capacity, selling for $69.99.
MagGo Wireless Charging Station: This is a foldable 3-in-1 charging solution that retails for $109.99.
MagGo Magnetic Charging Station: This orb-shaped device has an 8-in-1 charging capacity that sells for $99.99. It has AC power cables, USB-C, USB-A, and of course, a 15W Qi 2 charger up front.
They've also announced a couple of new wireless charging products.
MagGo Power Bank (10K): The sleeker version of the MagGo power bank comes with a small kickstand and a display on the side for live stats and costs $90.
Anker MagGo Wireless Charger (Pad): This is like Apple’s MagSafe charging puck, but it only costs $21.99 and comes with a longer five-foot cable.
MagGo Wireless Charging Station: This 3-in-1 solution has a vertical space-saving design and costs $90. This will start shipping in February. There’s also a pad version available for $100.
Visit Anker’s MagGo website to find out more about the available products.
Mophie
Mophie has three new Qi2 products lined up at CES 2024.
The SnapPlus Powerstation Mini Stand has a 5,000 mAh battery with an aluminum kickstand and a USB-C port on the side. There’s also the $130 Snap+ 3-in-1 stand, and the $70 Snap+ Wireless Charging Vent Mount for your car. All accessories will come out in March 2024 and will be available on Mophie’s website.