Summary
For a few years now, there’s one thing that I’ve immediately bought when I get a new Android phone:a MagSafe-compatible case. Every time a new Pixel has been announced, I’ve been hoping for that satisfying magnetic snap to be built in. And every time, I’ve been disappointed. It seems that streak is finally ending with the Pixel 10 series.
Leaked images and information have piled up over the last couple of months, and the latest makes it seem inevitable thatQi2 magnetic chargingis finally coming to the Pixel series. Aleaked imagefrom Evan Blass shows a wireless charging puck attached directly to the back of a bright blue Pixel 10—no case needed. Unsurprisingly, the charging puck looks pretty much like every other MagSafe charging puck on the market.
We’ve been down this path before. Last year, there was chatter about thePixel 9 seriesbeing the first Android phones with MagSafe-like magnetic charging built in. That didn’t happen, and then the Galaxy S25 series was equally disappointing. This time around, we have leaked images and reports of Google’s “PixelSnap” branding. But withSamsung’s “Qi2 Ready” shenanigansearlier this year, there was always the possibility that it would rely on a special case. The leaked image seems to confirm that won’t be the situation.
To add even more evidence to the pile, this is also likely why the Pixel 10 is rumored to be slightly thicker and heavier than its predecessors. Personally, I am happy to pay that small price for a massive leap in convenience. The Qi2 standard, which is based on Apple’s MagSafe tech, is something Android fans have been patiently waiting for. It ensures your charger aligns perfectly every time, which means faster wireless charging speeds and less heat generation. It also opens up the door to a world of accessories—stands, wallets, and mounts—that simply aren’t as seamless with a case.
There’s still not a ton to go on while we wait for theMade by Google event on August 20th, but the evidence we do have is solid. So far, the “PixelSnap” accessories are rumored to include a charger, charging stand, and “Ring Stand.” It’s likely that the charging puck we’re seeing in the leak is the simple “PixelSnap Charger.” I’m veryhappy with my Pixel 9, but this is making me extra excited for the Pixel 10. I just hope it’s not reserved for the “Pro” models only.
