Wireless charging has transformed from a novelty into an everyday convenience, but we're still in the early chapters of this technology's evolution. From charging your phone across a room to powering devices as you walk through a building, researchers and companies are working on innovations that could fundamentally change how we think about keeping our devices powered. Let's explore what's coming next.
While some of these technologies are years away from consumer products, others are already appearing in premium devices and will likely become mainstream within the next few years. Understanding where the technology is heading helps you make informed purchasing decisions today.
Faster Charging Speeds
The most immediate evolution in wireless charging is simply getting faster. While today's standard tops out at 15W for most phones, the future holds significantly higher speeds.
Current State
In 2026, mainstream wireless charging sits at 15W for Qi2/MagSafe, while some proprietary systems (like certain OnePlus and Xiaomi phones) achieve 50W or more with brand-specific chargers. The gap between universal standards and proprietary solutions remains significant.
What's Coming
The Wireless Power Consortium has announced plans for faster Qi2 profiles:
- Near-term (2026-2027): Extended Power Profile supporting up to 30W for compatible devices
- Medium-term (2027-2028): Potential for 50W+ universal standard
- Long-term: Closing the gap with wired fast charging entirely
The challenge isn't just raw power—it's managing heat efficiently enough to deliver that power safely. Advances in coil design, thermal management, and battery technology are all required to make faster wireless charging practical.
As wireless charging speeds approach wired alternatives, the convenience advantage grows. Many users find that 15W is "fast enough" for their lifestyle—phones charge overnight or during work hours without conscious effort. The future isn't just about raw speed but also about seamless integration into daily life.
Over-the-Air Charging
Perhaps the most exciting frontier is true over-the-air wireless charging—powering devices from a distance without any physical contact with a charging surface.
How It Works
Several approaches are being developed:
- Focused radio frequency (RF): Uses directed RF energy that devices can harvest from the air
- Infrared laser systems: Transmits power via infrared light to receivers on devices
- Ultrasound power transfer: Uses sound waves to transmit energy
Current Progress
Companies like Wi-Charge and Ossia have demonstrated working prototypes. Xiaomi showed a room-scale charging system in 2021. Samsung has patented similar technology. However, commercial products remain limited to low-power applications (IoT sensors, small wearables) due to efficiency and safety considerations.
Challenges to Overcome
- Efficiency: Power transmission efficiency drops dramatically with distance
- Safety: Concentrating enough energy to charge phones raises health and safety questions
- Regulations: Governments are still developing frameworks for over-the-air power transmission
- Cost: Current implementations are expensive compared to contact charging
True over-the-air charging for smartphones is likely 5-10 years away from mainstream adoption. In the meantime, expect incremental improvements—perhaps charging devices within a few centimetres of a charger without precise placement, or low-power maintenance charging across a room.
Wireless Charging Surfaces
Rather than discrete charging pads, the future may include entire surfaces that charge your devices wherever you place them.
Furniture Integration
We're already seeing:
- IKEA furniture with built-in charging spots
- Hotel nightstands with embedded chargers
- Coffee shop tables with charging zones
The next evolution is surfaces that work everywhere, not just marked spots. This requires either multiple overlapping coils or moveable coil systems that detect and follow device placement.
Automotive Applications
Cars are becoming mobile charging hubs:
- Centre console wireless charging (already common)
- Multiple charging zones for passengers
- Automatic device detection and optimal charging
Future vehicles may charge devices placed anywhere in the interior, not just designated spots.
Public Infrastructure
Expect to see charging capabilities built into:
- Airport seating and tables
- Public transit seats
- Restaurant and café tables
- Library and coworking space furniture
Bi-Directional and Reverse Wireless Charging
The ability for devices to both receive and transmit wireless power is already here and expanding.
Current Capabilities
Many flagship phones can already wirelessly charge other devices:
- Samsung's PowerShare lets Galaxy phones charge other devices
- iPhones can charge AirPods cases directly (limited implementation)
- Some phones can wirelessly charge smartwatches
Future Applications
- Device ecosystems: Your phone charges your earbuds and watch automatically when they're near
- Emergency sharing: Share power with friends' phones when needed
- Laptop to phone: Laptops wirelessly charging phones placed on them
- Smart home integration: Devices sharing power throughout your home based on need
Improved Efficiency and Sustainability
As environmental concerns grow, wireless charging technology is evolving to address efficiency and sustainability.
Reducing Energy Waste
Current wireless chargers waste 20-30% of energy as heat compared to wired charging. Improvements are coming through:
- Better coil designs that improve coupling efficiency
- Smarter power management that reduces standby consumption
- GaN (Gallium Nitride) components that operate more efficiently
- Improved alignment systems that maintain optimal positioning
Sustainable Materials
Expect to see:
- Recycled materials in charger construction
- Biodegradable or recyclable designs
- Longer-lasting products designed for durability
- Reduced packaging and simplified designs
When buying wireless chargers today, look for Qi2 certification. This standard is designed to evolve, with future faster profiles planned. A quality Qi2 charger purchased today should remain useful as faster charging standards emerge, even if at current speeds.
Integration with Smart Home and IoT
Wireless charging is becoming part of broader smart home ecosystems.
Intelligent Power Management
Future charging systems may:
- Coordinate with your calendar to ensure devices are charged when you need them
- Prioritise charging based on upcoming usage patterns
- Use solar or off-peak energy for eco-friendly charging
- Integrate with home energy management systems
Automation and AI
- Chargers that learn your routines and adapt behaviour
- Voice control integration ("Hey Siri, charge my phone to 80%")
- Automatic device recognition and personalised charging profiles
- Health monitoring that slows charging to preserve battery longevity
Standards Evolution
The standardisation landscape will continue to evolve, hopefully toward greater universality.
Qi2 Development
The Wireless Power Consortium's roadmap includes:
- Faster power profiles (beyond current 15W)
- Improved efficiency requirements
- Extended magnetic alignment compatibility
- Better integration with USB Power Delivery standards
Regulatory Changes
Following the EU's USB-C mandate for wired charging, there's discussion of:
- Potential wireless charging standards mandates
- Efficiency requirements for wireless chargers
- Interoperability requirements to prevent vendor lock-in
What This Means for You
While exciting advances are coming, wireless charging today is already practical and beneficial. Here's how to approach the future:
Near-Term (1-2 Years)
- Expect incremental speed improvements
- More devices with built-in wireless charging
- Qi2 becoming standard on mid-range phones
- Better multi-device chargers at lower prices
Medium-Term (3-5 Years)
- Significantly faster universal standards (30W+)
- Wider furniture and surface integration
- Better reverse wireless charging capabilities
- Early over-the-air systems for small devices
Long-Term (5+ Years)
- Room-scale wireless charging possible
- Wireless charging nearly as fast as wired
- Ubiquitous charging infrastructure in public spaces
- Seamless, invisible charging throughout daily life
The future of wireless charging is bright, with innovations that will make keeping our devices powered easier than ever. While today's technology is already convenient, the best is yet to come. Stay informed, invest in quality standards-compliant products, and look forward to a world where charging cables become increasingly optional.