Late‑August 2026 Phone Accessory News: Qi2 at 25W, Samsung’s First‑Party Gear, and New Power‑Bank Safety Rules

Qi2 charging steps up to 25W and keeps spreading

The Wireless Power Consortium has advanced the Qi2 program with a 25‑watt profile in the latest documentation (listed as Qi v2.2.1 in a WPC release), signaling faster certified wireless charging and broader cross‑brand accessory compatibility going into the 2026–2027 cycle. ([wirelesspowerconsortium.com](https://www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/media/wvsmia32/qi2-25w-news-release-v72.pdf?utm_source=openai))

On the device side, Android’s magnetic‑alignment moment is real: phones like Google’s Pixel 10 brought native Qi2 magnetic alignment into the mainstream this year, which has helped standardize “snap‑on” mounts, chargers, and power banks across brands. ([androidauthority.com](https://www.androidauthority.com/tag/qi2/?utm_source=openai))

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series supports Qi2 charging but does not include built‑in rear magnets, so users need a Qi2‑ready magnetic case or an adhesive adapter for reliable alignment on magnetic chargers and car mounts. ([techradar.com](https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/samsung-galaxy-s26-review?utm_source=openai))

Samsung goes first‑party on Qi2: new 25W pad and magnetic power bank

Samsung has rolled out official Qi2 accessories alongside its 2026 flagships. The Magnet Wireless Charger (model EP‑P2900) supports up to 25W wireless output with magnetic alignment when paired with a compatible Galaxy and adequate USB‑C power adapter. ([itechguides.com](https://www.itechguides.com/samsungs-new-qi2-wireless-chargers-promise-faster-easier-power-heres-what-you-need-to-know/?utm_source=openai))

The Magnet Wireless Battery Pack (model EB‑U2500) is now listed and supported in multiple regions; it delivers Qi2‑certified magnetic wireless charging plus up to 25W via USB‑C, with a typical 5,000 mAh capacity and a fold‑out kickstand for hands‑free use. The pack appears in WPC’s public certification database and on Samsung’s regional support and product pages. ([jpsapi.wirelesspowerconsortium.com](https://jpsapi.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/products/qi/24969?utm_source=openai))

If you’re using a Galaxy S25/S26 or Z‑series device, note Samsung’s own guidance: full Qi2 magnetic performance requires a Qi2‑ready magnetic case. ([samsung.com](https://www.samsung.com/sec/support/model/EB-U2500XJEGKR/?utm_source=openai))

Qi2 arrives factory‑installed in cars

Automakers are beginning to integrate Qi2 pads in production vehicles. Škoda says its third‑generation in‑car wireless chargers now use the Qi2 standard and touts being the first European carmaker to bring Qi2 into series production, a strong signal that magnetic alignment and cross‑platform support are headed for dashboards globally. ([skoda-storyboard.com](https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/lifestyle/skodas-smarter-wireless-charging-goes-beyond-phones/?utm_source=openai))

Safety and standards: new UL power‑bank update, USB‑PD revisions, and aviation rules

A fresh 2026 revision of the ANSI/CAN/UL 2056 power‑bank safety standard landed on June 30 with clarifications to short‑circuit tests, temperature limits, flammability, and structural requirements for direct plug‑in designs. For shoppers, a UL‑listed pack to the latest edition is a strong baseline for safer carry‑on power. ([webstore.ansi.org](https://webstore.ansi.org/standards/ul/ansiul20562026?utm_source=openai))

Regulators continue to call attention to unsafe battery packs. In a reminder that recalls matter, the CPSC re‑announced a recall of certain Casely magnetic power banks this spring after a February 2026 in‑flight fire and fatality associated with a 2025 recall population. Always check your model against recall notices before you travel. ([cpsc.gov](https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Casely-Reannounces-Recall-of-Wireless-Portable-Power-Banks-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-One-Fatality-Reported-After-2025-Recall?utm_source=openai))

Airline rules have tightened, too. ICAO’s 2025–2026 Technical Instructions and related updates highlight stricter handling and passenger awareness for power banks in cabin baggage; the new specifications took effect March 27, 2026, with familiar watt‑hour limits still applying (≤100 Wh allowed; 100–160 Wh typically requires airline approval). Pack your banks in carry‑on only and know their ratings. ([icao.int](https://www.icao.int/news/new-power-bank-restrictions-will-safeguard-international-aviation?utm_source=openai))

On wired power, the USB‑IF posted USB Power Delivery Revision 3.2 Version 1.2 on May 20, 2026, while compliance notes from USB‑IF and test labs indicate an extended grace period into September 2026 for certain PD 3.1/3.2 certifications. Translation: expect a steady flow of updated wall chargers, car adapters, hubs, and cables advertising PD 3.2 features through late 2026. ([usb.org](https://www.usb.org/documents?items_per_page=50&search=power&utm_source=openai))

Shop smarter right now: what this means for your next accessory

• Going magnetic? Look for the Qi2 logo; Android users should confirm their phone has magnets (Pixel 10 and newer Pixels do; many Galaxy phones need a magnetic case). This improves grip on stands, car mounts, and power banks and reduces alignment losses. ([androidauthority.com](https://www.androidauthority.com/tag/qi2/?utm_source=openai))
• Faster wireless on the horizon: With WPC’s 25W Qi2 profile in flight, expect late‑2026 chargers and phones to advertise higher certified speeds. Pair chargers with the right USB‑C PD adapter to actually reach those rates. ([wirelesspowerconsortium.com](https://www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/media/wvsmia32/qi2-25w-news-release-v72.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• First‑party options for Galaxy: Samsung’s EP‑P2900 pad and EB‑U2500 pack bring official Qi2 choices; plan on a Qi2‑ready magnetic case for best results. ([itechguides.com](https://www.itechguides.com/samsungs-new-qi2-wireless-chargers-promise-faster-easier-power-heres-what-you-need-to-know/?utm_source=openai))
• Drive‑time charging: If you’re ordering a new vehicle, check for built‑in Qi2 support. If not, third‑party Qi2 car mounts paired with a solid USB‑C PD adapter remain a reliable upgrade. ([skoda-storyboard.com](https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/lifestyle/skodas-smarter-wireless-charging-goes-beyond-phones/?utm_source=openai))
• Power‑bank due diligence: Buy packs certified to the latest UL 2056 edition, and search your model for any open recalls—especially if it’s a magnetic, wireless unit you intend to fly with. ([webstore.ansi.org](https://webstore.ansi.org/standards/ul/ansiul20562026?utm_source=openai))
• Travel rules still matter: Keep power banks in carry‑on only, check their watt‑hours, and know your airline’s approval process if you carry larger units. ([icao.int](https://www.icao.int/zh-hans/filebrowser/download/92841?fid=92841&utm_source=openai))
• Wired fast‑charging buyers: Look for USB‑IF certified PD 3.2 chargers and cables, especially if you need high‑wattage laptop charging from the same brick you’ll use for your phone. ([usb.org](https://www.usb.org/documents?items_per_page=50&search=power&utm_source=openai))

Quick picks we’re watching

• Qi2 25W pads and stands rolling out from major brands as the new profile lands—pair with a 45–65W USB‑C PD adapter to avoid bottlenecks. ([wirelesspowerconsortium.com](https://www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/media/wvsmia32/qi2-25w-news-release-v72.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Magnetic battery packs with verified WPC certification (check the public Qi product registry) and recent UL 2056 listings. ([jpsapi.wirelesspowerconsortium.com](https://jpsapi.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/products/qi/24969?utm_source=openai))
• In‑car Qi2 cradles for vehicles without factory Qi2—these benefit most from phones with native magnets or quality magnetic cases. ([skoda-storyboard.com](https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/lifestyle/skodas-smarter-wireless-charging-goes-beyond-phones/?utm_source=openai))