The Google Pixel 10 has been tipped to add an iPhone feature we’ve been itching to see for years.
According to Android Authority, which claims to have seen “credible marketing materials intended for retailers”, the Google Pixel 10 will incorporate Qi2 charging.
This is the next-gen wireless charging technology that Apple pioneered with its own MagSafe standard. It offers slightly better wireless charging speeds, but the main advantage is its magnetised fastening system that ensures a more consistent and convenient charging experience.
While the Qi2 standard has been ready to go for the entire current generation of Android phones, only the HMD Skyline (a relatively humble mid-ranger) has actually included it to date. Flagship phones like the OnePlus 13 have fudged Qi2 support through an optional case.
Perhaps that explains why Google is said to be leaning into this Qi2 support as a major new feature of the Pixel 10.
Meet Pixelsnap
According to the report, Google intends to apply its own MagSafe-like branding to the Qi2 standard: Pixelsnap.
As part of this branding push, Google will have three new self-explanatory accessories to offer: Pixelsnap Charger, Pixelsnap Charger with Stand, and Pixelsnap Ring Stand.
With Google reportedly planning to bring a Hub Mode to phones, this Qi2/Pixelsnap wireless charging standard could effectively help to turn your Pixel phone into a little smart display, in much the same way Apple’s Standby Mode works with MagSafe charging stands.
David Price / Foundry
To further reinforce this, retail listings have been discovered for each of these stands, which also serve to reveal that Google’s wireless charging standard will technically be ‘Qi 2.2 and MPP (Magnetic Power Profile)’.
Further digging seems to have revealed that a ConvenientPower CPS4041 controller chip will run the Pixelsnap show on the Pixel 10, which apparently supports a theoretical maximum wireless charging speed of 60W.
It’ll be down to Google just how much of that power it chooses to harness, of course. Given that the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL maxes out at 37W wired charging and 23W wireless, something tells me we won’t be seeing the Pixel 10 hitting quite such heady heights.
