Qi2 adds support for scrolling and it’s pretty cool (Video)

At CES 2025, two years after Qi2 was first introduced, the first update of the standard was released. It brings “Qi2 Ready” as well as new support for chargers with a moving coil.

One of the main focuses of the Qi2 is the use of magnets to improve the alignment of the coils that exchange power when the device charges wirelessly. Perfect alignment results in more efficient and cooler charging, which is a win for everyone. In a new “extension” to Qi2, it also opens up support for WPC chargers, so instead you simply move the coil to where the phone sits.

This is part of the Qi 2.1 update also brings “Qi2 Ready”. another extension that allows the combination of devices and accessories to create a device that works with Qi2 accessories.

WPC explains:

Wireless charging capabilities for vehicles can be challenging due to varying phone sizes, user positioning, and vehicle movement. Phones that don’t have Qi2’s magnetic attachment suffer from inconsistent compatibility with the charging coil. The new moving coil seeks the exact location of the phone, so it can maintain a perfect connection every time and provide the fastest and most efficient charging speed.

Panasonic Automotive Systems developed this new addition with automotive applications in mind. Especially for cars with a wireless charging area in the center console. The idea is to allow users to place their phone anywhere on the board and let the coil move into place to efficiently charge the device. Usually it doesn’t matter at home, but it’s very useful in the car.

In a brief preview we saw at CES 2025, the demo device worked perfectly, easily finding the wireless charging coil on the OnePlus 13 and adjusting even for very small movements.

It works extremely precisely and also requires no magnets The OnePlus 13 does not have built-in Qi2 magnets. But how does it find the device? It was revealed that the charger sends a small pulse to locate the phone and then uses a “detection array” to figure out where the coil is. Once this is determined, the charging coil moves into place and charging begins.

I’ll be interested to see how this hardware fares, but it works very well and I’m excited to see it on vehicles. Also, I’d really like someone to put this in an aftermarket accessory, but I’m sure that’s the way out.

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