Scosche booth

CES 2025: Qi2 & MagSafe Charging Gets Faster and More Efficient

Wireless charging is all the rage nowadays. It’s convenient, eliminating the need for plugging cables into your devices, like smartphones, earbuds, and smartwatches. Though it’s generally slower than wired charging, wireless charging is improving and getting faster. Two technologies in particular are making this happen: Qi2 and MagSafe. There is plenty to see in both categories at CES 2025. Here, I’ll walk you through some of the most innovative wireless charging products coming in 2025 so far. But first, let’s learn what these two standards are, how they work, and why they will benefit you.

What is Qi2 charging?

You may already be familiar with Qi (pronounced “chee”) charging, a charging protocol managed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Qi2 is basically the next evolution in this space. Introduced in mid 2023, we first saw Qi2 products coming to market in early 2024. In fact, there were plenty at CES 2024 from brands like Scosche and Belkin. The open wireless charging standard involves devices, like wireless charging pads or even power banks and stands, with a magnet. Align the device overtop the magnet and it will initiate charging. While the wireless charger itself needs to be plugged into power, your device just sits flat or upright. Currently, the only devices that support Qi2 charging include iPhones 12 and up and the Samsung Galaxy S25. But it will likely be integrated into more premium phones in the future.

What is MagSafe charging?

The Qi2 standard was actually developed in partnership with Apple and uses Apple’s Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) technology in the standard. But Apple retains MagSafe technology as its own, which works in the identical way to Qi2 and is available in iPhone 12 and up models. Born from the MagSafe chargers Apple initially used as safer charging options for its MacBooks, the idea now allows you to attach chargers and other accessories without wires. It uses a series of magnets around the internal charging coil that can sense other MagSafe accessories and securely connect to them. Naturally, MagSafe is only built into Apple devices thus far, but there are plenty of MagSafe cases you can use on Android devices (and older iPhones), too.

What are the advantages with Qi2 and MagSafe charging?

There are two main advantages with these wireless charging technologies.

Faster charging: Standard Qi charging is great for leaving your phone to charge on your desk all day when you work since they work at a slow rate of 5W. Qi2 and MagSafe, by contrast, charge at a rate of 15W. This is still slower than wired, but much faster than standard wireless charging. You can still wirelessly charge older devices on a Qi2 charging surface, but they will continue to charge at the slower rate.

Better alignment: Since the chargers have a ring of magnets inside, this allows for better alignment of the device. With Qi chargers, you may have noticed that your phone has to sit in just the right spot for charging to work.  This makes it more efficient as well since you don’t lose power from misalignment.

Exciting Qi2 and MagSafe accessories coming in 2025

Now that we have covered what Qi2 and MagSafe are and why they are important, let’s take a look at some exciting innovations at the show from some of the top brands.

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad 15W: Affordable Option for Fast Charging

Belkin BoostCharge magnetic Qi2 wireless charger

This circular charging pad boasts 15W wireless charging via Qi2 and adds an integrated pop-up kickstand as a bonus so you can prop your phone up as well as lie it flat. The extra-long 6.6-foot cable will be useful for the nightstand or even a hotel room where the power outlets always seem to be in the most awkward spots. An appreciated feature is that you’ll be able to get it with or without a power supply. So, if you already have tons of USB-C power supplies you can use, you can save a few bucks. Note that this isn’t a MagSafe charger but it’s an affordable option for those with Android or older iPhones.

Satechi OntheGo Power Banks: Perfect for Travelers

Satechi OntheGo

Ideal for travelers is the new line of OntheGo Power Banks from Satechi. There are 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh models, both of which deliver fast 15W wireless charging via Qi2 and MagSafe. A useful feature is pass-through charging that allows you to recharge the bank itself while it is boosting your device’s battery at the same time. With a vegan leather stand, LED indicator light, and soft silicone surface, they are stylish options as well. Along with popping it into your carry-on, it has a built-in adjustable stand with 120° viewing flexibility in both portrait and landscape mode.

Satechi OntheGo Wireless Chargers: Charge Multiple Apple Devices at Once

Satechi OntheGo

If you have multiple Apple devices with MagSafe, including an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, you’ll want to know more about these Qi2 wireless chargers. There are 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 models that can recharge up to two or three devices, respectively, at the same time. You’ll get 15W power to your MagSafe-enabled iPhone and 5W power to a pair of AirPods with both. The 3-in-1 model adds a spot to fast-charge your Apple Watch (Series 7 and up). There’s even a Nightstand mode so you can set this up on your bedside table to recharge everything overnight or before you turn in.

Scosche MagicMount MS 5-in-1 In-Vehicle Phone Mount: For Charging & Navigating in the Car

Scosche MagicMount MS

If you’re looking for a faster charger to use in the car, this one is a versatile option that both docks your phone so you can see it safely while driving and recharges the battery. As the name implies, you can mount it five ways: on the dash, via swing-arm, clipped to the vent in two ways, or even positioned on the back of the display if your car has a built-in, tablet-style one. It has powerful magnets for securing MagSafe phones and cases and comes with a MagicRing adapter for non-MagSafe devices. What’s especially unique about this mount is that the head is designed such that it can accommodate PopSockets and SpinPop grips, so you can mount your phone without removing them first. It sounds like a small detail, but it will be an appreciated one for many if you use these phone grips/stands.

Anker MagGo 10,000mAh Slim Power Bank: Reliable & Powerful for Business Users

Anker power bank

Ultra-slim in design, this power bank affords 15W MagSafe wireless charging and works with Qi2 devices, able to charge an iPhone 15 Pro from 0 to 50% in 51 minutes. It uses Anker’s Wireless PowerIQ technology to deliver high efficiency charging while effectively managing heat. Further, the ActiveShield safety system monitors temperature to make sure your phone and the charger itself remain cool while charging. There’s also a 30W USB-C port for charging a second device via cable or using as an alternative if you need a quicker charge. With a matte UV finish and metal frame, it’s a simple option for power on the go.

EcoFlow Rapid 10,000mAh Power Bank: Recharge Laptops, Too

EcoFlow Rapid

This tiny little Qi2 charger can recharge a device wirelessly at 15W as well as a secondary device via cable connection at an impressive up to 65W. That means you can use it to recharge your laptop on the go as well. While it’s a bit bulkier than other models to accommodate the power, it’s still lighter in weight than expected. And it uses EcoFlow’s high-density battery cell technology, RAPID magnetic charging, and double cooling protection to dissipate heat. There’s a smart digital display on the unit that shows you charging status and a built-in kickstand so you can prop your phone up to watch movies, for example, while it’s recharging. This new version of the charger, which will be out some time in February or March, works with a mobile app where you can adjust settings, like overheat protection

UGREEN Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5,000mAh: Cute Backup Option

Ugreen Uno

Initially launched at IFA in Berlin and available in a 10,000mAh capacity version as well, the UGREEN Uno magnetic chargers look like little robots with a TFT display that shows different expressions based on the battery life. As a 5,000mAh charger with a maximum power of PD 3.0 20W wired and only 7.5W Qi wireless, this one is more of an emergency device to keep in your backpack, purse, or briefcase to use when you just need a little boost to get you through the remainder of a day or until you get home. It can recharge an iPhone 15 Pro Max, for example, 0.65 times. It’s compact in size (naturally, the 10,000mAh version is much thicker and heavier) and has a built-in foldable stand.

MagicMount Base Elite Magnetic Qi2 Charging Desk Stand: Ideal for a Home Office

Scosche MagicMount Base Elite

The MagicMount Base Elite Magnetic Qi2 Charging Desk Stand keeps devices charged, displayed, and organized. The 3-in-1 design combines a MagSafe compatible Qi2 charging stand for your phone or AirPods case that charges at the Qi2 certified maximum rate, along with a removable Fast Charger for an Apple Watch, and a removable 5000 mAh Power Bank that offers both Qi2 and USB-C charging. With its small footprint, fold-flat design, and dimmable downward lighting, it’s ideal for the home, office, and travel. It will be available in Q2 for MSRP US$200.

MagicMount Elite2 Desk Mount: Great for Students

Scosche MagicMount Elite

The MagicMount Elite2 Desk Mount is MagSafe compatible with a circle of extra powerful magnets to securely hold an iPhone 12 or later. For non-MagSafe phones, a MagicRing adapter is included. Uniquely, it’s also compatible with PopSockets and SpinPop phone grips, allowing you to mount your phone without removing them. The stand swivels 360° on its base and the mount head rotates and tilts. It is coming in Q3 for MSRP US$40.

MagicMount Charge Pro Desk Mount: Option for the Nightstand

Scosche MagicMount Charge Pro

Similar to the Elite 2, the MagicMount Charge Pro Desk Mount (Q3; MSRP US$80) offers full adjustability of the base and mount head and is MagSafe compatible. The magnetic desk stand will rapidly and wirelessly charge your Qi2 and MagSafe iPhone and Android models at the Qi2 certified maximum rate. It comes with its own power cord, USB-C charger, and a cable management clip.

MagicMount Charge HDGRIP Heavy Duty Wireless Charging Mount: For Road Warriors

Scosche MagicMount HD Mount

Built to withstand rough roads and offroad trails, the MagicMount Charge HDGRIP Heavy Duty Qi2 Wireless Charging Mount (Q3; US$100) will securely hold and wirelessly charge your phone at the Qi2 maximum rate. It features a combination of extra strong MagSafe compatible magnets and silicone lined adjustable arms and comes with a 3” diameter heavy-duty suction cup base to mount to a dash or window. Two interchangeable arms in different lengths make it suitable for any vehicle, depth of dash, and preference.