The Qi2 Conundrum: Are "Certified" Phone Cases Really Necessary?
Qi2 "certified" cases are confusing consumers. Are they necessary or just marketing? We explore the Qi2 case conundrum.
Matilda
The Qi2 Conundrum: Are "Certified" Phone Cases Really Necessary?
The world of wireless charging just got a whole lot more complicated, thanks to the latest update to the Qi standard. While the promise of faster, more efficient charging is always welcome, the introduction of "certified" phone cases under the Qi2 banner has raised more questions than it answers. Is this a genuine step forward, or a recipe for consumer confusion? At CES 2025, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) unveiled Qi 2.1.0, bringing with it intriguing features like coil movement for optimal alignment and the "Qi2 Ready" program. This program allows devices to offload magnets to a compatible case, paving the way for cases to be "certified" for Qi charging. Sounds promising, right? The reality is a bit more muddled. The WPC's Qi-certified database now lists a "Magnet Clear Case" for the Samsung Galaxy S25 as Qi 2.1.0 compatible, supporting up to 15W of power. This seemingly innocuous addition has sparked debate and raised concerns abou…