Apple, Google and Xiaomi drive push for 50W Qi wireless‑charging standard

Major technology firms gathered in Beijing from 22‑25 June for an off‑cycle meeting of the Wireless Power Consortium. Hosted by Xiaomi, the session brought together more than 20 companies—including Apple, Google, Huawei, Honor, OPPO, Vivo, Anker, NXP and Panasonic—and over 90 engineers to define the hardware parameters of a new 50‑watt Qi wireless‑charging standard.

The proposed upgrade would raise typical charging power from the current 15‑20 W range to 50 W, enabling substantially faster charging for smartphones, tablets and potentially automotive pads. Xiaomi, the event’s promoter, highlighted an architecture built on “small inductance, low voltage, high power” to reduce losses, improve safety and simplify integration across devices. The consortium aims to complete the specification by 2028, with demo units expected in 2025 and a formal review in early 2026. A key goal is cross‑brand interoperability, allowing users to charge any compatible device with third‑party chargers rather than brand‑locked solutions.