Qi2 vs MagSafe: What's the Difference? (Simple Explanation)
By WillItSnap Team · March 2026
MagSafe is Apple's proprietary magnetic charging system. Qi2 is the open standard built on MagSafe's technology. They're cross-compatible but differ in speed and ecosystem.
The Relationship
Apple created MagSafe for iPhone 12 in 2020. In 2023, the Wireless Power Consortium adopted MagSafe's magnetic alignment technology as the basis for Qi2, making it an open standard available to all phone manufacturers.
Think of it this way: MagSafe is the “brand name” version, Qi2 is the “open standard” version. They use the same magnets and are cross-compatible.
Speed Comparison
| Standard | Max Speed | Magnetic | Available On |
|---|---|---|---|
| MagSafe Gen 1 | 15W | Yes | iPhone 12-15 |
| MagSafe Gen 2 | 25W | Yes | iPhone 16+ |
| Qi2 | 15W | Yes | iPhone, Pixel 9, Galaxy S25 |
| Qi2 25W (Qi2.2) | 25W | Yes | iPhone 17, select Android 2026+ |
Learn More
Related Terms
MagSafe
Apple's magnetic charging and accessory system for iPhone, using a ring of magnets for precise alignment.
Qi2
The next-generation wireless charging standard with magnetic alignment, bringing MagSafe-like features to all phones.
MagSafe Gen 1 vs Gen 2
MagSafe Gen 1 charges at 15W (iPhone 12-15). Gen 2 charges at 25W (iPhone 16+). Gen 2 chargers are backward compatible with older iPhones at 15W.
Qi2 25W (Qi2.2)
Also called Qi2.2, this is the latest wireless charging standard supporting 25W with magnetic alignment. First certified chargers arrived late 2025.