Google Pixel 10 Tipped to Adopt Qi2 Magnetic Charging, Leaks Suggest

SAN FRANCISCO – A fresh wave of hardware leaks suggests Google is preparing to equip its forthcoming Pixel 10 smartphone with Qi2 wireless charging, a significant upgrade that would introduce a magnetic accessory ecosystem akin to Apple's MagSafe. If accurate, the move would close a key feature gap with the iPhone and signal wider industry adoption of the new open standard.

Recent reports, including one from The Verge citing supply chain sources, point to evidence found in schematics for third-party Pixel 10 cases. These designs clearly show a circular magnetic array on the rear of the device, a hallmark of the Qi2 charging standard. This corroborates earlier rumors of Google developing a magnetic attachment system, potentially to be branded "Pixelsnap."

While Google has remained silent on its future hardware plans, the consistent appearance of this feature in pre-production leaks strongly indicates a strategic shift for the Pixel line, which is expected to be officially unveiled in October 2025.

What is Qi2 and Why Does It Matter?

Qi2 (pronounced "chee two") is the next-generation wireless charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the same body that oversees the ubiquitous Qi standard. Crucially, its core technology, the Magnetic Power Profile, is built upon the MagSafe system that Apple contributed to the WPC.

This standardizes the magnetic alignment that has been exclusive to iPhones since 2020. The primary benefits for users are twofold:

1. Perfect Alignment: Magnets ensure the device and charger snap into the most efficient position, improving charging speeds and reducing energy loss and heat buildup.
2. Accessory Ecosystem: The secure magnetic connection opens the door for a new class of accessories beyond charging pads, including car mounts, desktop stands, wallets, and battery packs that securely attach to the back of the phone.

For the Android ecosystem, the adoption of Qi2 by a major player like Google would be a watershed moment. While some manufacturers have experimented with proprietary magnetic systems, a unified, open standard has been lacking, preventing the development of a broad, cross-compatible accessory market.

Closing the Gap with Apple

Since its introduction with the iPhone 12, MagSafe has become a defining feature for Apple, creating a lucrative market for first- and third-party accessories. Android users have largely been left without a comparable, integrated solution.

By integrating Qi2 into the Pixel 10, Google would not only enhance the user experience for its own customers but also set a precedent for other high-end Android manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus. A standardized magnetic system could finally bring the convenience and versatility of MagSafe-style accessories to the wider Android world.

This potential upgrade is part of a series of anticipated changes for the Pixel 10 lineup. The device is also rumored to feature Google's next-generation Tensor G5 processor, which is expected to be manufactured by TSMC, a move that could bring significant performance and efficiency gains.

As with all pre-release information, these details remain unconfirmed until Google's official announcement. However, the convergence of multiple, independent leaks suggests that a magnetically-enabled Pixel is highly probable. The decision would represent a major step in maturing the Pixel ecosystem and positioning it as a more direct and feature-complete competitor in the premium smartphone market. The official launch event, anticipated this autumn, will provide the final word.