Summary
- A new Pixel 10 leak suggests the phones could support Qi2 charging.
- If the Pixel 10 series supports Qi2 charging, this means the phones will have built-in magnets, similar to Apple’s MagSafe.
- Past leaks suggest that Google may introduce magnetic “PixelSnap” accessories for the Pixel 10 series.
Will the Google Pixel 10 series support Qi2 wireless charging with built-in magnets? Past leaks have hinted at this, with Google supposedly developing “PixelSnap” magnetic charging accessories for the Pixel 10 lineup. However, it was unclear whether the magnet for attaching these accessories would be in the phone itself or in a case. Now, a new leak strongly indicates that the Pixel 10 series could have built-in magnets for Qi2 support.
This leak comes from Evan Blass, a trusted leaker in the tech world, who posted images of the Pixel 10 series on X. In one photo, you can see a blue Pixel 10 with what looks like a wireless charging puck attached to the back. This image immediately sparked renewed hope that the Pixel 10 could feature built-in Qi2 magnetic charging, finally providing a MagSafe-like option in the Android world.
You can check out the leaked images Evan Blass shared on X below. The leaker also posted several other photos, including of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2A.
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Qi2 versus Qi2 Ready
What will the Pixel 10 support?
Pocket-lint / Google
Ever since Apple introduced MagSafe in 2020 with the launch of the iPhone 12 series, Android fans have been wanting an alternative to Apple’s magnetic charging solution for their devices. When Apple shared its MagSafe technology with the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) in 2023, there was hope that Android smartphone makers, such as Google and Samsung, would finally adopt the technology. Two years later, that hasn’t been the case.
When the Galaxy S25 series debuted in January, rumors suggested that it would support Qi2 charging with built-in magnets. However, it opted instead to be “Qi2 Ready,” meaning it can support Qi2 charging with the help of a case that includes magnets. For a phone to fully support Qi2, it must have built-in magnets to align with chargers properly.
If you’re unfamiliar with Qi2, it’s a wireless charging technology developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)…
If you’re unfamiliar with Qi2, it’s a wireless charging technology developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), which includes a Magnetic Power Profile (MPP). The WPC is a coalition of companies that collaborate to establish worldwide standards for wireless charging. For example, thanks to the WPC, you can place an iPhone, Pixel, or Samsung on a wireless charging pad and it will work.
So, if the Pixel 10 series supports Qi2 charging, the phones will have built-in magnets for attaching accessories and chargers, like the iPhone has with MagSafe. If it ends up being “Qi2 Ready,” the magnets will be housed in a case instead of the phone, similar to what Samsung recently did with the S25 series.
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PixelSnap versus MagSafe
Google could be launching its own MagSafe rival
Apple / Pocket-lint
In June, Android Authority shared a leak about Google possibly introducing a new line of accessories called “PixelSnap” for the Pixel 10 series. In the marketing materials the publication reviewed, there was mention of Google launching multiple PixelSnap accessories with the Pixel 10 series, including a PixelSnap Charger, a PixelSnap Charger with Stand, and a PixelSnap Ring Stand.
There have also been leaks about PixelSnap cases, one of which may be visible in the leaked images shared by Evan Blass. Initially, it was believed that the magnets for attaching these new accessories to the Pixel 10 series would be in the cases, not the phone itself.
However, based on the latest leaked image from Evan Blass, it seems the magnet could actually be built into the phone itself, which would be a big win for the Pixel 10 series. Additionally, a recent leak from Android Headlines suggested that the Pixel 10 lineup might be slightly thicker and heavier than the Pixel 9 series, which makes sense if the phones now feature built-in magnets.
If Google can pull this off, the Pixel 10 series will become much more appealing, and PixelSnap could someday be as well-known as MagSafe.
I hope this turns out to be true. Admittedly, I’m not as excited about the Pixel 10 series this year because of its similarities to the Pixel 9 series, but the addition of magnetic charging really catches my eye and could change everything. It’s hard not to think of MagSafe when I see the blue Pixel 10 with the wireless charging puck on the back. If Google can pull this off, the Pixel 10 series will become much more appealing, and PixelSnap could someday be as well-known as MagSafe.
All will be revealed on August 20, when Google hosts its Made by Google event for the Pixel 10 launch. Stay tuned to Pocket-lint, as we’ll have a lot more stories about the Pixel 10 series coming in August.
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