My understanding is that Apple has broken the Qi wireless charging standard. It's the same technology but only works with Apple branded Qi charges. Can anyone confirm?
They indicated at the event that it is compatible with third-party chargers that meet the Qi standard. Their own charger coming out next year makes some tweaks to the standard, that they intend to bring up with the organization and (so they implied) play nicely with the standard.
No. They specifically said multiple times during the event that it works with all Qi chargers, and even showed several different brands.
Apple will be making their own charger but it's not available at launch.