It seems we can’t even go 24 hours without exciting developments surrounding the future of Qi2 charging and accessories on Android flagships. Just yesterday, we reported on a multi-faceted Pixel 10 leak containing not only circumstantial evidence, but also supposed insider confirmation that the upcoming Google flagship would feature Qi2.2 support, complete with built-in magnets.
What a difference a day makes. Hours after Android Authority broke that story, a new rumor emerged that Google’s first-party cases will include magnets. Early analysis assumes that means no magnets inside the actual phone, although the jury is technically still out on whether that’s a fair assumption (Source: Android Headlines via Android Authority).
The Pixel 10 will support Qi2.2, or it won’t
Or a secret, infuriating third thing
Doesn’t that look incredibly useful?
The tragicomedy of Qi2 coming to Android has been nothing short of sensational. First, it required built-in magnets. Then, it didn’t. But, it turned out, it had required magnets all along. Then, I got upset that Qi2 Ready phones are allowed to relegate the magnets to cases. Later, I ate crow after learning Qi2 Ready compliance might have prevented a Pixel 9 Pro XL charging issue. Eventually, we discovered the Pixel 10 would finally end the Shakespearean comedy by including internal magnets. That’s where we were as of this morning.
Now, the saga continues, following Android Headlines’ revelation that the Google-branded Pixel 10 case would have magnets inside it. This could imply the phone doesn’t have its own. That’s the assumption most analysts are running with (and it may be accurate), but it’s not quite that simple. Let’s break it down.
This is what happens when leaks collide
See how convenient that is?
Typically reliable leaker Kamila Wojciechowska didn’t merely jump from, “Pixel 10 Qi2 accessories exist,” to “The Pixel 10 has magnets inside.” They apparently tracked down reputable confirmation that the Pixel 10 would support Qi2.2. By all accounts, Qi2.2 support requires a magnetic ring inside the phone.
The more recent case leak, while lacking the leaker’s identity and source, isn’t far-fetched by any means. However, it failed to make clear whether any additional context supported the “no magnets” conclusion, or if it was more of an assumption.
It could easily be a fair assessment. Google following in Samsung’s footsteps and leaving the actual magnet integration to first-party and licensed accessories wouldn’t surprise anybody. But it also isn’t a foregone conclusion. Remember, Apple gifted the Wireless Power Consortium its basic MagSafe technology to create the Qi standard. And quite a few iPhone MagSafe cases have their own magnets, because their thickness prevents reliable connections.
Here’s how it could all actually get worse
Why should we need a case to do this?
In other words, the mere existence of a magnetic Pixel 10 case doesn’t necessarily rule out built-in magnets. But it does call the next Pixel flagship’s Qi2 support into question. It also raises a new possibility, however outlandish, of my own personal hell: Qi2.2 Ready.
The WPC announced Qi2 Ready — which mimics Qi2, but requires a magnetic case or ring add-on — at CES in January. Two weeks later, Samsung revealed its Galaxy S25 series would take advantage of the looser certification. Samsung had remained tight-lipped on the matter before the launch, but leaks had claimed the S25 would support Qi2. Now, Google remains tight-lipped on its flagship’s magnetic capabilities, but leaks have claimed the Pixel 10 will support Qi2. See where this is headed?
The Pixel 10 is rumored to launch on August 20. The WPC sprung Qi2 Ready on us with no warning just before its first certified device. In the event yet another relaxed wireless charging standard drops out of the blue, it might happen around the beginning of August. And if the Pixel 10 does manage to show up sporting Qi2.2 branding but, somehow, no magnets inside, you’ll find me weeping in a corner somewhere, because I will have given up.
