The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro may support high-wattage wireless charging

According to 9to5Google, Google has added some intriguing code to Android 12 Beta 2, the latest beta for its next OS. Apparently, Android 12 Beta 2 contains numerous references for a new Made by Google wireless charger. Currently, Google sells the Pixel Stand, a wireless charger that it introduced with the Pixel 3 series. Google caps the Pixel Stand at 10 W for Pixel devices, leaving it well down on wattage compared to the wireless chargers that companies like Xiaomi and OnePlus sell.

Specifically, Google has added several RPM settings and fan modes, including 'Auto', 'Power Boost' and 'Quiet'. 9to5Google adds that the charger will switch to a quiet mode when someone uses the 'Hey Google' command and an even slower one that Google's Bedtime mode and Recorder app triggers. Android 12 Beta 2 does not detail the new charger's power output, though.

Ultimately, the presence of these code changes suggests that Google plans to do more than merely release a new wireless charging stand. In our opinion, the code implies that the Pixel 6 series will support faster wireless charging speeds than current and past Pixel smartphones. 9to5Google notes that Samsung has released 10 W wireless chargers with active fans. However, we doubt Google would do so when the Pixel Stand outputs at that wattage without a fan. Instead, we suspect that Google will market a new Pixel Stand as enabling fast wireless charging times on the Pixel 6 series.

Presumably, Google would enable faster wireless charging on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, not just the latter. Google is expected to launch the pair in the autumn with new designs and its first in-house SoC.

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