Wireless charging standards
Which Qi version or MagSafe-compatible charger does your phone actually need?
Qi 2.0 introduced the Magnetic Power Profile; Qi 2.2 added up to 25 W. Apple currently says compatible iPhones can reach up to 25 W with compatible MagSafe hardware and a 30 W-or-greater adapter, with actual power varying by model and conditions.
What changed in Qi 2.0 and Qi 2.2
The WPC says Qi 2.0 introduced the Magnetic Power Profile. That profile is the magnetic alignment part of the specification, not a separate brand of wireless charging. A charger that uses the Magnetic Power Profile can hold a compatible phone in position, but the phone must support the profile to use it.
The WPC says Qi 2.2 added up to 25 W. That figure is a specification maximum, not a promise for every phone or every charging session. Your phone's own accepted maximum and the charger's certified listing decide what can happen in practice.
If a product page uses a Qi version name without a model listing, check the WPC certified-products database. The database is the primary reference for certification, and it is more useful than a badge or a marketing name.
How MagSafe-compatible charging reaches 25 W
Apple currently says compatible iPhones can reach up to 25 W with compatible MagSafe hardware and a 30 W-or-greater adapter. Both conditions matter: the hardware must be compatible, and the adapter must deliver at least 30 W. Actual power varies with phone model and conditions.
A 30 W-or-greater adapter is the wired input to the wireless charger. The wireless charger then transfers power to the phone. If the adapter is below 30 W, the system may not reach the 25 W level even when the phone and charger support it.
Heat is part of the conditions. Apple says heat may limit charging above 80%. If the phone is warm, the charging rate can drop even when every part is compatible.
Choosing without overbuying
If your phone supports Qi 2.2 up to 25 W and the magnetic profile, a listed Qi 2.2 charger with magnetic alignment is the direct match. If your phone supports a lower Qi level, a Qi 2.2 charger may still work, but the phone will not gain a higher accepted maximum from the charger.
If your phone does not support the Magnetic Power Profile, you can use a standard Qi charger and align the phone by hand. Paying extra for magnets only helps when the phone can use the magnetic alignment feature.
Always remove cards, passports, security badges and key fobs from between the phone and charger. Apple explicitly says these must not sit between phone and charger.
Specification plate
Qi and MagSafe-compatible wireless charging facts
| Item | Specification fact | Phone requirement | Practical limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qi 2.0 | Introduced Magnetic Power Profile | Phone must support the profile for magnetic alignment | Alignment feature only; power depends on phone and charger |
| Qi 2.2 | Added up to 25 W | Phone must accept the relevant power level | 25 W is a specification peak, not a guaranteed rate |
| MagSafe-compatible charging | Apple says compatible iPhones can reach up to 25 W | Compatible MagSafe hardware and a 30 W-or-greater adapter | Actual power varies with model and conditions |
| Heat | Apple says heat may limit charging above 80% | Keep the phone and charger cool enough | Charging may slow or pause above 80% |
Ordered check
Match a wireless charger in order
- 01
Check your phone's wireless standard
Confirm whether the phone supports Qi, the Qi 2.0 Magnetic Power Profile, Qi 2.2 up to 25 W, or MagSafe-compatible charging. Use the phone manufacturer's documentation.
- 02
Check the charger listing
Look up the charger model in the WPC certified-products database. Note the Qi specification and whether the Magnetic Power Profile is included.
- 03
Check the wired adapter
For Apple's 25 W statement, use a 30 W-or-greater adapter. For other phones, match the adapter to the charger's input requirement.
- 04
Remove obstructing items
Apple says cards, passports, security badges and key fobs must not sit between phone and charger. Remove them before placing the phone.