Google’s Pixel 10 may get magnetic Qi2 charging after all

Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 may support wireless Qi2 charging natively (without a case), which would make it the first Pixel model and one of the few Android phones to do so. A new image from mega-leaker Evan Blass shows a Qi2 charger attached to the back of a naked Pixel 10 device, meaning it likely has the magnets required to support the fast-charging system.

Rumors bubbled up last month that Google was working on a new lineup of “Pixelsnap” Qi2 accessories, leading to speculation that the Pixel 10 may debut that much-requested feature. Another rumor suggested that a case may be required for Qi2 charging after all, but the image of a Pixel 10 with a Qi2 charger appears to confirm that Qi2 will be native after all.

On top of faster charging speeds up to 15 watts or higher in later revisions, Qi2 requires smartphones to have embedded magnets for easy alignment of peripherals. So far, though, only recent iPhone models and just one smartphone, the HMD Skyline, have said magnets and thus offer native Qi2 support. Other popular phones like the Galaxy S25 are only “Qi2 ready,” meaning they can charge wirelessly at up to 15 watts, but don’t have the required magnets inside. Instead, you have to purchase a compatible case with a built-in magnetic mounting system. The same applies to OnePlus’s latest phone.

If the Pixel 10 does support Qi2 directly and Google introduces a new lineup of Qi2 charging accessories, that will provide a big boost to the ecosystem. The news also provides a nearly complete picture of the Pixel 10 launch, on top of information we already knew: Up to a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, Google Tensor G5 chip, a triple rear camera system, 8K video recording and up to a 100-hour battery life on the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

All we need now is confirmation of all that from Google, which will likely announce that device (including a Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Fold) along with the Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Buds Pro 2 and other accessories at its Made by Google event on August 20.