Wireless charging receiver shipments to double in 2016

An IHS report projects 259 million wireless charging receivers will ship this year.

Wireless charging is becoming more popular every year. The technology nearly tripled in 2015 to 144.2 million units, and a new report from IHS projects shipments will nearly double to 259 million units. IHS sees a bright future for wireless charging. The industry focused on gaining a foothold via OEM mobile phones in 2015, according to the report, and will concentrate on refining the technology and launching more high-powered devices such as laptops this year. In 2017, IHS sees wireless charging reaching "full deployment," eventually leading to commoditization.

There are still different competing wireless standards in the market, but Samsung seems to have the lead. The company included its Qi wireless charging in the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphones last year as well as in the latest S7 flagship phones.

IHS sees dual-mode Qi and PMA as the primary wireless charging technology in mobile phones through 2020. It also expects Apple to include wireless charging in the iPhone 7. This could introduce another proprietary technology to the market, as Apple is known to show a preference for its own charging technology.

Since wireless charging remains a premium technology today, China manufacturers that primarily offer low-end smartphones are not adding this technology by default. There are some suppliers making wireless charging receivers and adapters. At least one manufacturer already turns out a wireless charger for the iPhone, so people may not have to wait for the iPhone 7 or worry whether the IHS prognostication about Apple's next phone is correct.

See a comparison table of selected wireless charging receiver module suppliers on GlobalSources.com