According to new research from Strategy Analytics, the installed base of wireless charging capable smartphones will reach the record-setting one billion mark by the end of this year.  Smartphone vendors such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and OPPO and technology suppliers like Infineon, MediaTek, Samsung SDI, and Qualcomm are powering the rise of wireless charging with proprietary solutions that top off a battery faster than ever.

From its introduction ten years ago, in 2012, wireless charging has transitioned from a finicky niche technology into an in-demand charging solution for high-end smartphones. In 2021 the installed base of smartphones with wireless charging technology will reach one billion devices, following a decade of double- and triple-digit annual sales growth of the devices.  By 2026 we forecast it will top 2.2 billion wireless charging-enabled smartphones as growing middle classes in emerging market countries expand the addressable market for higher-end smartphones with the technology.

Despite the higher cost that wireIess charging adds to smartphones, sales of the devices are strongest in the Asia-Pacific region, where 49% of the installed base of wireless charging-enabled smartphones are. Fast-growing middle classes in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region mean that a growing proportion of the region’s population can afford the technology. Meanwhile, North America accounts for 21% of the installed base and Western Europe just 16%.

Smartphone vendors, particularly those in China, are introducing more advanced charging solutions, such as Xiaomi’s Mi Air Charge.  These vendors are responding to the growing demand for wireless charging solutions, whether standards-based using WireIess Power Consortium standards or proprietary charging solutions.  The Asia-Pacific region will remain the single largest market for wireless charging solutions for the foreseeable future and will continue to grow its installed base share of wireIess charging-enabled smartphones.

Ken Hyers, Director at Strategy Analytics, said, “From its introduction ten years ago, in 2012, wireless charging has transitioned from a finicky niche technology into an in-demand charging solution for high-end smartphones. In 2021 the installed base of smartphones with wireIess charging technology will reach one billion devices, following a decade of double- and triple-digit annual sales growth of the devices. By 2026 we forecast it will top 2.2 billion wireless charging-enabled smartphones as growing middle classes in emerging market countries expand the addressable market for higher-end smartphones with the technology.”

Ville-Petteri Ukonaho, Associate Director at Strategy Analytics, said “Despite the higher cost that wireIess charging adds to smartphones, sales of the devices are strongest in the Asia Pacific region where 49% of the installed base of wireIess charging-enabled smartphones are. Fast-growing middle classes in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region mean that a growing proportion of the region’s population can afford the technology. Meanwhile, North America accounts for 21% of the installed base and Western Europe just 16%.”

Yiwen Wu, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, said, “Smartphone vendors, particularly those in China, are introducing more advanced charging solutions, such as Xiaomi’s Mi Air Charge. These vendors are responding to the growing demand for wireless charging solutions, whether standards-based using WireIess Power Consortium standards or proprietary charging solutions. The Asia Pacific region will remain the single largest market for wireIess charging solutions for the foreseeable future and will continue to grow its installed base share of wireless charging-enabled smartphones.”

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