Article illustration 1

For years, Android users have watched enviously as iPhone owners effortlessly snap on MagSafe chargers, wallets, and mounts—a seamless ecosystem built on magnets. Now, Google might be ready to level the playing field. According to leaks, the upcoming Pixel 10 series is set to include Qi2 certification with integrated magnets, potentially transforming how Android devices interact with accessories and injecting new life into a standard that's struggled for adoption.

The Qi2 Promise: More Than Just Faster Charging

Qi2, unveiled at CES over two years ago, was hailed as a breakthrough for its magnetic alignment capabilities, inspired by Apple's MagSafe. Unlike traditional Qi wireless charging, which often requires precise placement and suffers from inefficiency, Qi2 uses magnets to ensure optimal contact, enabling faster charging and a universe of snap-on accessories. Yet, widespread implementation has lagged. As Kerry Wan of ZDNET notes, material costs, low user demand, and compromises like magnetic cases—rather than in-device magnets—have limited adoption. Currently, only recent iPhones, Samsung models, and the niche HMD Skyline support true Qi2.

"The big pull wasn't necessarily faster charging, but magnetic accessories—think MagSafe for Android," says Wan. But without mandated in-body magnets, most Android brands have resorted to cases, creating a fragmented and less elegant user experience.

Pixel 10 Leaks Hint at a Magnetic Leap

Enter the Pixel 10. A recent leak from renowned tipster Evan Blass shows a render of the base model Pixel 10 in aquamarine, featuring a redesigned camera array and, crucially, hints of built-in magnets for Qi2 compatibility. This suggests users could attach MagSafe-compatible chargers, stands, or other tools directly to the device—no case or adhesive required. Pro models, including the Pixel 10 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold, are expected to follow suit.

Article illustration 2

Caption: Kerry Wan/ZDNET
An earlier Pixel model highlights the design evolution; the Pixel 10 could integrate magnets directly into the chassis.

Blass's tweet underscores the potential: "[The Pixel 10] will support magnet-based accessories without a special case," aligning with Google's history of ecosystem innovation. If accurate, this positions Google to outflank Samsung, which relies on accessory-based magnets for Qi2, and could finally deliver the "magic" Android has missed.

Why This Matters for Developers and the Industry

For the tech community, this isn't just about convenience—it's a catalyst for innovation. Embedded magnets could democratize accessory development, allowing Android developers to create interoperable tools without proprietary hurdles. Imagine standardized mounts for AR/VR devices, modular health sensors, or secure docking systems that work across brands. This move also pressures the Wireless Power Consortium to revisit its stance on mandatory in-body magnets, potentially accelerating Qi2's adoption industry-wide.

Moreover, it addresses a key pain point in wireless charging: efficiency. As one developer on Hacker News recently pointed out, "Poor alignment wastes up to 30% of power in traditional Qi setups. Magnets solve that physics problem elegantly." For engineers, this means more reliable energy transfer and new opportunities in low-power IoT integrations.

The Road to an Open Accessory Ecosystem

Google's potential embrace of Qi2 magnets could redefine Android's identity, moving it closer to Apple's walled garden in functionality while retaining its open ethos. Success hinges on execution—ensuring strong magnetic hold, backward compatibility with existing accessories, and developer support through Android APIs. If Google delivers, the Pixel 10 might not just be another flagship; it could spark a magnetic revolution, turning every Android phone into a hub for creativity and utility. As Wan concludes, ZDNET is awaiting Google's response, but for now, the prospect of a unified magnetic future feels tantalizingly within reach.