The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) is working on Qi 50W, a new open standard designed to enable wireless charging at up to 50 watts—twice as much as today. The technology supports cross-brand charging and is intended to replace the current 25-watt limit of Qi2. The catch: The official specification won’t be released until 2028.
Key Points at a Glance
- Qi 50W doubles wireless charging power from 25 to 50 watts.
- The standard is open and works across brands—no more manufacturer lock-in.
- Xiaomi is contributing a large part of the technical architecture.
- Release is planned for 2028, with the first devices possibly not arriving until 2029.
- Qi2 at 25 watts remains an interim step, though only a few smartphones currently use it.
What’s Behind Qi 50W
Wireless charging is convenient, but compared to wired charging, it’s been rather slow so far. That’s exactly where the new standard comes in. In late June 2026, more than 20 members of the Wireless Power Consortium gathered for an unscheduled meeting at Xiaomi’s headquarters in Beijing. Among those at the table were Apple, Google, Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo. The topic: the next generation of the Qi standard, with up to 50 watts.
The meeting wasn’t just about theory. Participants discussed the draft standard, tested prototypes, and verified whether technology from different manufacturers works seamlessly together. The goal is a standard that charges faster, more reliably, and more safely than what Qi currently offers.
The Current Qi Standard and Its Limitations
Currently, the upper limit for the open Qi standard is 25 watts. This figure was first introduced by Qi2 in version 2.2, and so far only a handful of devices fully utilize it—such as the iPhone 16 and newer models, as well as the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Those who want to charge wirelessly faster have so far had to rely on proprietary solutions. Xiaomi has been offering 50 watts for some smartphones for quite some time, but only with its own accessories. It is precisely this dependence on the respective manufacturer that Qi 50W aims to eliminate.
| Standard | Max. Power | Status | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qi (classic) | up to 15 W | Well-established | Widespread |
| Qi2 (2.2) | up to 25 W | current | few devices |
| Qi 50W | up to 50 W | in development | Planned for 2028 and beyond |
Xiaomi as the Driving Force
Xiaomi’s role is particularly intriguing. Much of the technical architecture for the new standard comes from the Chinese manufacturer. Xiaomi is introducing a solution featuring low inductance, low voltage, and high power. This approach is intended to significantly reduce energy losses at the charging coils and improve the hardware’s thermal management—since waste heat is the biggest problem at high charging power levels.
What’s curious is that Xiaomi doesn’t even currently offer a smartphone with Qi2, yet it is playing a key role in driving the open 50-watt standard forward. Apple, on the other hand, is responsible for the magnetic component of the Qi standard. And while Western manufacturers like Google and Samsung are strictly committed to Qi, Chinese vendors have long been actively marketing their proprietary fast-charging technologies.
When will Qi 50W arrive?
This is where patience is tested. According to Xiaomi, the hardware parameters are largely considered finalized, but the official release of the specification isn’t scheduled until 2028. After that, manufacturers will need to adapt their production lines, certify devices, and ramp up mass production. The first commercial devices are therefore unlikely to hit the market until 2028 or 2029 at the earliest. Industry insiders cite models such as a future Pixel 13 or 14 as possible pioneers.
Until then, Qi2 at 25 watts remains the interim step. Anyone looking to charge wirelessly today can already find reliable Qi2 hardware. Our review of the UGREEN MagFlow 2-in-1 charger demonstrates what the current 25-watt standard can do in practice. And if you’re just looking for an overview, check out our roundup of the best wireless chargers.
What this means for you
Nothing will change in the short term. Your current smartphone won’t be upgraded to support Qi 50W—the technology requires new hardware in both the transmitter and receiver. The standard will only become interesting once compatible devices and charging pads start appearing in 2028. The real benefit lies less in the speed itself than in the openness: a charging pad that charges your phone, your partner’s phone, and your kids’ phones just as fast, regardless of the brand. It’s precisely this cross-manufacturer freedom that has been missing from fast wireless charging until now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Qi 50W
What is Qi 50W?
Qi 50W is a new open charging standard from the Wireless Power Consortium designed to enable cross-brand wireless charging at up to 50 watts. It doubles the current Qi 2 limit of 25 watts.
When will Qi 50W be released?
The official specification is scheduled for 2028. The first compatible devices are expected in 2028 or 2029 at the earliest.
What role does Xiaomi play?
Xiaomi is providing a large part of the technical architecture, including a solution with low inductance and low voltage to reduce energy losses and waste heat.
Will Qi 50W work with my current smartphone?
No. The standard requires new hardware. Existing devices cannot be upgraded via a software update.
Conclusion
Qi 50W is the logical next step for wireless charging: double the power, an open standard, and no longer tied to individual manufacturers. It’s remarkable that Xiaomi, of all companies, is setting the tone. The downside remains the timeline. We’ll have to wait until 2028, and anyone who wants fast wireless charging today has no choice but to use proprietary solutions or Qi2 at 25 watts. Nevertheless, this is exactly the right direction to take.
Sources: Wireless Power Consortium
