According to a recent report, the beta version of Android 15 has unveiled a new feature called NfcCharging, indicating the potential introduction of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for device charging. This innovation could offer users an alternative method to wirelessly charge devices lacking built-in wireless charging capabilities. The speculated NFC Wireless Charging (WLC) functionality, established in 2020, permits charging between devices within a maximum distance of 2cm using an antenna smaller than 1cm. While no mobile platform currently supports this technology, Android 15 may change that.
Insights from Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority suggest significant enhancements to NFC support in Android 15 Beta 1, with the addition of a new class named NfcCharging hinting at potential NFC Wireless Charging integration. Code examination reveals references to functionalities like initiating and terminating NFC charging, along with reading charging payload information transmitted via NFC. It is anticipated that Android 15 will support WLC 2.0, introduced in 2021, which enables smaller antenna sizes.
Remarkably, despite the availability of this technology for four years, Google has not integrated it until now. Nonetheless, its inclusion could greatly benefit users, offering a convenient solution for charging smaller devices in situations where traditional charging outlets are unavailable. While the charging output via NFC is expected to be modest (up to 1W, according to the NFC Forum), it presents a practical option for certain charging scenarios.