The Pixel 8 might not get the wireless charging boost you crave

We’re not expecting the arrival of the Google Pixel 8 for quite some time, but the device has already passed a key regulatory hurdle. This week, a new listing on the WPC’s website revealed core wireless charging specs for the phone.

The regulatory body’s listing (h/t 9to5 Google) suggests that the Pixel 8 (specifically model GKWS6) will continue using Qi wireless charging technology with a maximum wattage of 12W. Interestingly, this is the maximum wattage third-party chargers can push to current Pixel devices. Google’s Pixel Stand (2nd gen), can deliver up to 20W to the Pixel 7 and 23W to the Pixel 7 Pro. Google could well be implementing the same disparity with its forthcoming series.

Notably, the listing doesn’t reveal much else about the phone. The image used is not the Pixel 8, but we already have a good idea of the series’ aesthetics based on an earlier leak. There’s also no word yet on the Pixel 8 Pro, so we could still see a bump in wireless charging speed on the top-level model.

We expect the Pixel 8 line to debut in Google’s usual September-October announcement period, so expect several rumors to land before then.