Knowledge Base

Guide to the interpretation of version numbers

Qi specifications are numbered with three digits: X.Y.Z. For example 1.0.3

• X is called the major revision number. Specifications with the same major revision number are backward and forward compatible.
• Y is called the minor revision number. A change in minor revision number implies that new requirements are introduced while maintaining backward compatibility previously certified products
• Z is called the editorial revision number. Editorial revisions include clarifications, integrate new transmitter designs into one document, and may add new test to the test specifications.
  
  

Current version of the Qi specification

The current version of the Qi specification is version number 2.0. This version is available only to members of the Wireless Power Consortium. The Qi specification that is available for public download is version 1.3. The public version is always one revision behind the version that is available to members of the Wireless Power Consortium.

History of the Qi specification

Version 1.0 (July 2010)

• Qi transmitter delivers 5 Watt power into a Qi phone.
• Choice of transmitter designs include single coil transmitter, coil array transmitter, and moving coil transmitter.
• High flexibility in design of Qi receivers
• Limited flexibility in the design of Qi transmitters

Version 1.1 (March 2012)

• Increased design freedom for transmitters. You can now choose between 12 different transmitter specifications.
• Increased sensitivity of "Foreign Object Detection". This prevents heating of metal objects in the neighborhood of an active transmitter.
• The possibility to power a Qi transmitter with a USB charger.

Version 1.2 (October 2015)

• Fast charging. The possibility for transmitters to deliver up to 15 Watt power and the option for receivers to obtain up to 15 Watt.
• An improved thermal test for transmitters
• Improved timing requirements
• Changed limits for Foreign Object Detection improve the sensitivity.
• Optional unique identifier for power receivers (WP-ID)

Version 1.3 (January 2021)

• Completely restructured Specification documents with 15 thematic books describing different aspects of the system
• Support for authentication of Qi Certified wireless chargers. 
• Improved FOD features and testing (including a new low-Q test power receiver)
• Restrictions on the negotiable power levels
• Resolution of mistakes, inconsistencies and ambiguities
• A substantial number of new compliance tests covering the new features as well as features that were not tested in older version of the specification.

Version 2.0 (April 2023)

• Introduction of Magnetic Power Profile ( MPP )
  • MPP System Book
  • MPP Communications Protocol Book 
• Support for Magnetic Alignment Method
• MPP Protocol
• 360kHz operation frequency
• Improvements in FOD 
• Updated Power Profile and Feature definitions
• Products Certified for Qi v2.0 are not required to be 100% backwards compatible with Qi 1.x Certified Products.