Apple, Xiaomi Back Faster 50W Qi Wireless Charging Standard
Apple, Xiaomi and several leading technology companies are working together on the next generation of Qi wireless charging, with a new 50W standard expected to deliver significantly faster and more efficient charging for future smartphones.
The proposed upgrade is being developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the organization responsible for the widely used Qi wireless charging standard adopted by most Android smartphones and Apple’s iPhones.
Global Tech Giants Join Development
A technical conference was recently held at Xiaomi’s headquarters in Beijing, bringing together engineers from major consumer electronics companies.
Representatives from Apple, Google, Huawei, Honor, Oppo, Vivo, and other industry leaders participated in discussions focused on the future of wireless charging technology.
The event centered on technical specifications, prototype testing, and ensuring compatibility between devices from different manufacturers.
50W Wireless Charging Under Development
The Wireless Power Consortium has steadily increased the capabilities of the Qi standard over the past few years.
- Qi2 (15W) became an international IEC standard in late 2024.
- A 25W Qi specification followed in 2025.
- The consortium is now developing a 50W Qi wireless charging standard, currently targeted for release in 2028.
The new standard aims to provide much faster charging while maintaining safety and compatibility across different brands.
Xiaomi Proposes New Charging Design
A major focus of the conference was Xiaomi’s new hardware architecture for 50W wireless charging.
According to the company, the current Qi2 coil design creates thermal challenges, especially in foldable smartphones and automotive wireless charging systems.
To solve these issues, Xiaomi spent two years developing a low-inductance, low-voltage charging architecture designed to:
- Reduce energy loss during charging
- Improve heat management
- Simplify wireless charging module installation
- Enhance overall charging efficiency
The proposed design has already undergone cross-brand testing with both 25W and 50W prototype chargers.
Extensive Compatibility Testing
More than 20 technology companies participated in a “Plugfest” during the conference, where prototype chargers, charging coils and chips were tested together.
Companies including Anker, NXP, and Southchip evaluated interoperability to ensure future 50W wireless chargers will work safely across devices from different manufacturers.
These tests help identify compatibility issues before the final standard is approved.
Benefits for Consumers
If adopted, the new 50W Qi standard could offer several improvements:
- Faster wireless charging speeds
- Better heat control during charging
- Improved compatibility across Android and iPhone devices
- Greater efficiency with less power loss
- Better support for foldable phones and future device designs
Global Standardization
Industry experts believe adopting a unified 50W Qi standard will help prevent regional differences in wireless charging technologies while ensuring manufacturers worldwide remain compatible with international markets.
