Is developing magnetic wireless charging for Android smartphones really a $10 million endeavor? That’s the provocative claim Nothing made in early 2026, but the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) is pushing back hard. With Qi2 (formerly Qi 2.2) promising 25W speeds and Apple MagSafe compatibility, the question of cost has become central to the technology’s adoption. As of April 2026, only a handful of devices—the HMD Skyline and select Google Pixel 10 models—support Qi2 with integrated magnets, leaving many Android users wondering why their favorite brands haven’t jumped on board. The answer, according to Nothing, involves patent red tape, industry politics, and a price tag that could exceed $10 million in research and development. But the WPC, which owns the Qi2 standard, tells a very different story—one of reasonable licensing fees and accessible specifications for paid members. This article breaks down the dispute, the real costs, and what it means for the future of wireless charging in 2026.
The Background: Nothing’s Dream Phone and the Qi2 Promise
In early 2026, Nothing collaborated with YouTuber MrWhoseTheBoss to mock up a conceptual “dream phone” that included Qi2 25W wireless charging. This standard, also referred to as Qi 2.2, enables faster charging speeds, improved efficiency, and—crucially—full compatibility with Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem. The idea was tantalizing: imagine an Android phone that snaps onto MagSafe chargers seamlessly, delivering 25W power without the need for proprietary accessories.
Yet, despite the buzz, real-world adoption has been slow. As of April 2026, only the HMD Skyline and the Google Pixel 10 series support Qi2 with built-in magnets, and even within the Pixel lineup, only the Pixel 10 Pro XL supports the full 25W Qi2 speed. This limited rollout has frustrated enthusiasts and industry watchers alike, prompting Nothing to explain the apparent bottleneck.
Nothing’s $10 Million Claim: What They Said
In a series of statements, Nothing attributed the slow adoption of Qi2 magnets to what it called “legal red tape, industry politics, and a whole load of bullshit.” The company argued that while Qi2 is an open wireless standard, the specific magnet configuration needed for optimal compatibility with Apple’s chargers is patented and restricted. To circumvent this, Nothing claimed, companies must develop their own magnetic wireless charging systems—a process that could cost over $10 million in R&D.
This figure raised eyebrows across the tech community. If accurate, it would explain why only a few manufacturers have embraced Qi2 magnets: the investment might simply be too steep for many brands, especially smaller players. However, the Wireless Power Consortium quickly challenged this narrative.
WPC Fires Back: RAND Licensing and Membership Fees
YouTuber TechAltar reached out to the WPC for clarification, and the organization’s response was unequivocal. According to the WPC, if Nothing were a member, they would have access to the necessary specifications and “favorable licensing terms under RAND” (Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory). The consortium noted that companies like Google, HMD, and Samsung are already using magnets in phones or covers, suggesting that Nothing may not fully understand the situation.
So, what are the actual costs of WPC membership? A standard membership carries an annual fee of $20,000, plus an additional ecosystem fee of at least $10,000 per year. That’s a total of $30,000 annually—a far cry from the $10 million Nothing cited. While this still represents a significant expense for smaller firms, it’s hardly the insurmountable barrier that Nothing described.
Breaking Down the Costs: Membership vs. Custom Development
- WPC Membership (Annual): $20,000 base fee + $10,000 ecosystem fee = $30,000/year.
- Custom Magnetic Charger R&D: Nothing’s estimate of $10 million+ includes patent licensing, engineering, testing, and manufacturing setup.
- Key Difference: WPC membership provides access to existing Qi2 specs and RAND licensing, eliminating the need for custom development.
For context, a single year of WPC membership costs about 0.3% of Nothing’s claimed R&D figure. Even over a five-year period, the total membership cost would be just $150,000—still a fraction of $10 million. This makes the WPC’s path far more economically viable for most smartphone manufacturers.
The Miscommunication Factor: Entertainment vs. Accuracy
It’s worth noting that the original Nothing video was created for entertainment, in collaboration with a YouTuber. This context may have influenced the company’s claims. As the WPC suggested, there might be a misunderstanding rather than deliberate misinformation. The fast-paced nature of video production often leaves little time for thorough investigation of complex patent and licensing issues.
Nevertheless, Nothing’s statements have real-world consequences. They shape public perception and could discourage other manufacturers from pursuing Qi2 adoption. The WPC’s rebuttal serves as a crucial corrective, emphasizing that the path to magnetic wireless charging is more accessible than Nothing implied.
Current State of Qi2 Adoption (April 2026)
As of now, the list of devices with Qi2 magnetic support remains short:
| Device | Qi2 Magnetic Support | Qi2 25W Speed |
|---|---|---|
| HMD Skyline | Yes | No (standard Qi2) |
| Google Pixel 10 | Yes | No (standard Qi2) |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro XL | Yes | Yes |
| Samsung Galaxy S26 (rumored) | Expected | Expected |
Samsung is rumored to be integrating Qi2 magnets into its upcoming Galaxy S26 series, which could dramatically accelerate adoption. The WPC has also hinted that more members are preparing Qi2-compatible devices, suggesting that the ecosystem is poised for expansion in late 2026.
What This Means for Android Users
For consumers, the Nothing-WPC dispute ultimately boils down to one question: will we see more Android phones with MagSafe-compatible wireless charging? The WPC’s stance suggests that cost is not a significant barrier—at least not for companies willing to pay the membership fee and adhere to RAND licensing. If more manufacturers follow Google and HMD’s lead, Android users could soon enjoy the convenience of magnetic alignment and faster wireless charging without needing proprietary cases or adapters.
However, the slow pace of adoption so far indicates that other factors—such as design priorities, supply chain constraints, or strategic decisions to differentiate—may also be at play. The $10 million claim may have been an exaggeration, but it highlights a real tension between open standards and patent protection.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Qi2 Costs
The Wireless Power Consortium has effectively dismantled Nothing’s $10 million claim, showing that WPC membership and RAND licensing offer a far more affordable route to magnetic wireless charging. While Nothing’s original statement may have been made in a lighthearted context, it has sparked an important conversation about the true costs of adopting new charging standards. As the Qi2 ecosystem continues to grow in 2026, consumers can expect more devices to support magnetic wireless charging—without the need for a $10 million R&D budget.
What do you think? Is the WPC’s path the right one for Android, or should companies push for even more open standards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
