Xiaomi's Modular Optical System at MWC25 Sparks Attention: The Rise of Chinese Wireless Charging Technology and the Future of Qi2

Xiaomi's Modular Optical System at MWC25 Sparks Attention: The Rise of Chinese Wireless Charging Technology and the Future of Qi2Xiaomi's showcase of a modular optical system at MWC25 garnered significant global media attention, receiving positive reviews from numerous international outlets. However, some overseas media speculated that Xiaomi's lack of Qi2 wireless charging support stemmed from the need to accommodate a laser communication module at the bottom of the phone

Xiaomi's Modular Optical System at MWC25 Sparks Attention: The Rise of Chinese Wireless Charging Technology and the Future of Qi2

Xiaomi's showcase of a modular optical system at MWC25 garnered significant global media attention, receiving positive reviews from numerous international outlets. However, some overseas media speculated that Xiaomi's lack of Qi2 wireless charging support stemmed from the need to accommodate a laser communication module at the bottom of the phone. This speculation reflects a misunderstanding of the Chinese market and branding strategies. The reasons behind Chinese phone brands' rejection of Qi2 are simple: regulatory restrictions and technological inferiority.

I. Regulatory Constraints: The Conflict Between Qi2 and Chinese Wireless Charging Standards

The "Interim Regulations on Radio Management of Wireless Charging (Power Transmission) Equipment," implemented in September 2024, clearly defines the operating frequency range for mobile and portable wireless charging devices. Qi2's operating frequency (360Hz) falls outside this range. To comply with regulations, domestic manufacturers cannot support Qi2 wireless charging, not even achieving compatibility. This regulation is not discriminatory against Qi2 but aims to regulate radio frequency use and maintain order in the radio communication environment. Therefore, domestic manufacturers' abandonment of Qi2 is not a matter of choice but a constraint imposed by the regulatory environment.

II. "Looking Down" on Qi2: Technological Inferiority and the Advantage of High-Power Fast Charging

Beyond regulatory reasons, Chinese manufacturers also view Qi2 as technologically inferior. The Qi2 standard currently allows a maximum wireless charging power of only 15W, with minor adjustments by some overseas brands, but generally not exceeding 20W. This starkly contrasts with the 80W high-power wireless fast charging already prevalent in the Chinese market.

In September 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) relaxed the restrictions in the "Interim Regulations," raising the rated power transmission for wireless charging from 50W to 80W. This policy change rapidly propelled the adoption of high-power wireless fast charging by domestic manufacturers. While 80W still falls short of the previous 100W "full-blood" fast charging, it significantly surpasses the wired fast charging capabilities of overseas manufacturers.

This gap isn't due to differences in supply voltage. While the US and Japan use 110V low-voltage electricity, Europe predominantly uses 220V-240V, similar to China. Domestic fast chargers work directly in Europe. Therefore, the non-adoption of Qi2 by Chinese manufacturers is not a cost issue but stems from Qi2's technological backwardness and its inability to meet the demand for high-power fast charging among Chinese consumers. In the wireless charging arena, domestic brands are creating solutions tailored to domestic market needs and technological trends, rather than simply copying overseas models.

III. Two Charging Systems: Challenges and Opportunities for Accessory Brands

The high-power wireless fast charging technology in the domestic market presents both opportunities and challenges for accessory manufacturers. Well-known consumer electronics brands like Baseus and Anker sell products both domestically and internationally. If charging standards were uniform globally, accessory manufacturers would only need one product line. However, the domestic market's superior charging capabilities create a disparity. For example, a 45W GaN charger suffices for both phones and tablets overseas, but falls short for most phones in China.

Furthermore, proprietary charging protocols of domestic phone brands pose challenges. While some manufacturers integrate some brands' proprietary fast charging protocols into high-power chargers, coverage remains limited. Meanwhile, the overseas market, dominated by Qi2, requires a separate Qi2-compatible wireless charging solution.

Integrating both wireless charging protocols into a single product and software-disabling Qi2 for the domestic market is feasible, but wasteful in both markets. Long-term, this strategy hinders innovation and hampers global competitiveness.

IV. Exploring Unified Standards: Chinese Brands Leading the Future of Wireless Charging

Globally, wireless charging technology has reached a pivotal point requiring a redefined direction. Chinese brands possess a global technological lead. Instead of following international standards, they should leverage their advantage to push for standards better aligned with market needs.

Regulatory constraints prevent domestic manufacturers from engaging in a power-limit "arms race." Therefore, a collaborative effort among brands to create a non-proprietary wireless charging system, enhancing user experience based on high-power fast charging, would be ideal.

Chinese manufacturers have the capacity to build their own wireless charging standard. The widespread application of wireless charging technology in smart homes and IoT presents an opportunity to establish a Chinese-led wireless charging alliance, fostering technological closure and industry development.

An independent wireless charging system would also enhance China's global technological standing. As significant contributors to the 5G standard, Chinese brands already hold significant influence in mobile communications. Similarly, they can shape the future of wireless charging through their own standard.

Qi2's overseas rollout has been underwhelming, with many brands passively supporting it and showing limited commitment to the required built-in magnets. This exposes the weaknesses of the existing system and suggests Chinese brands needn't adhere to the Qi2 standard.

From user needs to the industry ecosystem, Chinese manufacturers have the potential to lead wireless charging technology towards greater efficiency and usability. Qi2's fate is sealed, but the future of wireless charging extends beyond it. Instead of focusing on 18W wireless "fast charging," let's leave the innovative market to Chinese manufacturers and allow them to lead the world in charging technology.