NFC Stack changes spotted on Android 15 beta
Google is working on an NFC feature addition that will support wireless charging on Android phones. The feature will launch with the Android 15 operating system scheduled to roll out by the end of the year.
As Android Authority first spotted, Google made significant changes to their NFC stack in the Android 15 beta 1 version. The NFC stack is the software that handles related functions, including reading tags and exchanging data between devices.
The tech giant has introduced a new class to it, and they called it NfcCharging within the system app. It will handle charging events and payloads with the technology. However, it may not work as you’d expect.
Android 15 NFC charging may still be limited
NFC wireless charging technology already exists, but it requires much smaller antennas in earbuds, styluses, and trackers. The NFC Forum approved it in 2020, and it was introduced as a solution for those devices with compact form factors that couldn’t fit traditional wireless coils.
The forum is a global standards and advocacy association for charging technology. It involves Apple, Google, Huawei, Identiv, Sony, NXP, and Qualcomm, among other companies. Their approval meant that you could charge small battery-powered consumers and Internet of Things (IoT) devices using the technology. So the new update may mean wireless charging for your accessories using your mobile phone as the power source.
For example, Bluetooth trackers in the Find My Device network. You could simply place the tracker or tag on an NFC-enabled device phone or tablet, and it could charge. AirTags need as little as one watt of power, which means you’ll manage them more efficiently and change their batteries less.
Will NFC wireless charging support larger Android devices in the future?
The Forum released a new technical road map for NFC in 2023. Among their plans, increased power for wireless charging was a top priority. The technology would allow your phone to receive power up to three watts instead of the usual one-watt they introduced in 2020. The timeframe is long, and endeavors will span from two to five years. But eventually, your phone will be able to receive power more quickly and efficiently without power cables.
The improvement may also open up new possibilities for wireless charging in various applications. It’d be nice to see back-to-back charging on a broader scale, like the PowerShare feature on Samsung’s Galaxy flagships. Simultaneous charging without significant performance degradation wouldn’t be so bad either. Your Android phones could wirelessly use apps without restricting how you sit or hold them, compared to using wired chargers.
