Why is the Pixel 9 series missing Qi2 wireless charging? Google: "No practical benefit" in switching to Qi2

Why is the Pixel 9 series missing Qi2 wireless charging? Google: "No practical benefit" in switching to Qi2Although the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) launched the Qi2 wireless charging standard in April 2023, only the HMDSkyline phone currently supports it. Previously, many believed that Google's Pixel 9 series would also support the Qi2 standard, but that turned out not to be the case

Why is the Pixel 9 series missing Qi2 wireless charging? Google: "No practical benefit" in switching to Qi2

Although the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) launched the Qi2 wireless charging standard in April 2023, only the HMDSkyline phone currently supports it. Previously, many believed that Google's Pixel 9 series would also support the Qi2 standard, but that turned out not to be the case.

In response to why the Pixel 9 series didn't adopt the Qi2 standard, a Google spokesperson told AndroidAuthority that the primary reason was the easier availability of Qi1 components from the supply chain. They stated that "there is no practical benefit in switching to Qi2."

This statement is thought-provoking. While the Qi2 standard offers higher charging power (up to 15W) compared to Qi1, along with magnetic attachment features similar to Apple's MagSafe, Google apparently doesn't consider these advantages enough to outweigh the supply chain challenges.

In fact, the current Google Pixel 9/Pro/Pro XL phones can achieve 23W wireless charging power through the PixelStand wireless charging pad, but only 12W charging speed on Qi-compatible charging pads. This means that even with the Qi2 standard, the Pixel 9 series' wireless charging speed wouldn't match PixelStand.

Therefore, from a practical standpoint, Google's decision is not unreasonable. Although the Qi2 standard brings technological advancements, its benefits cannot fully compensate for the supply chain challenges, especially when the Pixel 9 series already achieves faster wireless charging speeds through PixelStand.

However, Google's decision has sparked some controversy. Some users believe that Google should be more proactive in promoting the adoption of the Qi2 standard, as it would offer users a better wireless charging experience. Others argue that the advantages of the Qi2 standard are not apparent at this stage, and Google's choice is reasonable.

Regardless, Google's decision reflects the current awkward position of the Qi2 standard in the market. Despite its many advantages, its adoption rate is not ideal. This could also be related to the limitations of wireless charging technology today.

The development of wireless charging technology has not been smooth, from the initial low power and low efficiency to today's higher power and faster speeds, wireless charging technology has been constantly progressing. But to truly achieve widespread adoption of wireless charging, many technical hurdles need to be overcome, such as charging efficiency, charging distance, charging safety, and so on.

It is believed that with continuous technological advancements, wireless charging technology will usher in a brighter future. As for Google, they may also make new decisions based on market demands and technological developments in the future.