Global Tech Giants Unite For High-Speed Wireless Charging Standard

The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) recently concluded a technical conference at Xiaomi’s Beijing headquarters to develop the upcoming Qi 50W wireless charging standard. The event, which ran from June 22nd to June 25th, brought together engineers from across the consumer electronics industry, including representatives from Apple, Google, Huawei, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo.

The primary objective of the meeting was to address the technical specifications, prototype testing, and interoperability requirements for 50W wireless charging. The WPC has been incrementally increasing power limits over the past few years. Following the adoption of the 15W magnetic Qi2 standard as an IEC international standard in late 2024, the consortium introduced a 25W specification in 2025. The 50W standard is the next target, with an expected release date in 2028.

The development of wireless charging standards has become increasingly important as devices with advanced technologies like foldable phones and high-capacity batteries gain popularity. However, existing designs face several challenges, including thermal management issues and limited power capabilities. To address this, Xiaomi invested significant time and resources into developing a new coil design that can efficiently handle the increased power requirements of 50W charging.

According to Xiaomi, their proposed architecture takes advantage of advances in semiconductor technology to reduce coil loss and improve heat dissipation. By using low-inductance coils with lower voltage ratings, Xiaomi’s team was able to achieve significant improvements over traditional designs while ensuring safe and reliable operation across a range of temperatures and ambient conditions.

This alternative design is intended to make the charging modules easier to integrate into modern devices, including foldable phones, automotive charging pads, and even medical devices. By reducing the size and weight of charging coils, manufacturers can create thinner, lighter products that also reduce power consumption and heat generation.

Xiaomi submitted their proposal to the WPC in late 2024 and completed cross-vendor testing with 25W and 50W prototypes throughout 2025. The company worked closely with other industry leaders to test their hardware against each other, including Anker, NXP, and Southchip. These tests helped identify potential compatibility issues and ensured that the new architecture can be seamlessly integrated into future devices.

During the recent four-day event, more than 20 companies participated in a Plugfest, which is a standard industry testing process for Qi chargers. This test ensures that different chips, coils, and devices work together safely and reliably across different brands and models. Companies like Anker, NXP, and Southchip tested their prototype hardware to guarantee that future 50W chargers will be compatible with various devices from different manufacturers.

The integration of the new Qi 50W standard into global markets is crucial for Chinese hardware manufacturers, as it enables them to maintain a level of compatibility with international standards. This ensures seamless supply chain operations and reduces regional fragmentation in wireless charging standards, which could have significant implications for businesses that rely on exporting devices globally.

For Xiaomi, participating in the development of this new standard offers numerous benefits, including expanded market reach, increased brand recognition, and enhanced customer satisfaction. As a leader in the Chinese tech industry, Xiaomi’s involvement in the Qi 50W standard underscores its commitment to innovation and its position as a major player in the wireless charging ecosystem.

The upcoming release date for the Qi 50W standard is set for 2028, with multiple stakeholders eagerly awaiting this milestone. While much of the focus on wireless charging has been centered around safety and performance, companies like Xiaomi are driving efforts that also prioritize innovation, efficiency, and widespread adoption.

In conclusion, the recent conference at Xiaomi’s Beijing headquarters marks an important step in the development of the Qi 50W standard. By investing time and resources into creating a new coil design that can efficiently handle higher power requirements, Xiaomi has made significant contributions to this initiative. With its involvement, we can expect this standard to shape the future of wireless charging technology and bring it closer to widespread adoption across different industries and applications.

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