WPC To Build On Successful Qi2 Rollout, Announces Pending Ki Standard Launch

The pace of wireless power adoption will continue to accelerate throughout 2024 as more devices - from mobile phones to kitchen appliances ? adopt universal standards providing convenience and enhanced user experiences, according to the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).

The WPC introduced Qi2 (pronounced ?chee two') at the 2023 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and quickly garnered widespread industry praise and acceptance. The first Qi v2.0 Certified products were rolled out leading up to the recent holiday shopping season, including Apple's iPhone 15 lineup and a robust array of power transmitters announced by Belkin, Mophie, Anker, Scosche, and Aircharge. There are nearly 250 additional devices in the queue to complete their Qi v2.0 certification in advance of their general availability.

"The pace of Qi2 adoption has been unprecedented,' said Paul Struhsaker, Executive Director of the WPC. "The news that iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 handsets will be upgraded to include Qi2 with the release of iOS 17.2 means that nearly 800 million devices will be Qi v2.0 Certified within a few short weeks of the Qi v2.0 launch, and that number is expected to grow to approximately 1 billion devices by end of 2024."

In addition to the update on Qi2, the WPC is announcing the pending launch of the Ki (pronounced ?key') standard for kitchen appliances in fall 2024. Prototype appliances using the Ki standard at trade shows have illustrated the benefits of a Ki Cordless Kitchen, including convenience and safety. The Ki standard takes everyday kitchen appliances ? blenders, toasters, air fryers, water kettles and more - eliminates the power cords and adds a communication channel between the appliance and the Ki power transmitter, thus creating smart appliances. Without cords or batteries, Ki transmitters efficiently and safely deliver up to 2.2 kW of power, enough to power virtually any kitchen appliance. The result is a re-imagined and redesigned kitchen of the future ? more convenient, safer, and more space efficient, enabling a sleek, modern designed kitchen.

"We're excited by the growing number of opportunities for applications of wireless power and how WPC members will be able to offer consumers enhanced user experiences, safety, and efficiency "said WPC Chair, Fady Mishriki. "In addition to gearing up for the launch of Ki, our second wireless power standard, we're studying opportunities to develop standards for several new wireless charging applications including e-bikes, e-scooters and other light electric vehicles, as well as wearables," added Mishriki.

At CES 2024

See demonstrations of Qi2 products, the Ki Cordless Kitchen, and e-bike wireless charging at the Wireless Power Consortium's CES booth # 53846 in the Venetian Expo Smart Home section.

About the Wireless Power Consortium

The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) is the prevailing standards development organization for wireless power applications worldwide, representing more than 350 member companies. Since its founding in 2008, the WPC has provided consumers and manufacturers with a vision of wireless power that is convenient, safe, and efficient while ensuring standardized testing offers products that are certificated and interoperable. Today, the WPC's Qi standard is the global standard for wireless charging of mobile, handheld electronic devices with nearly 500 million Qi Certified products shipped in 2023. The WPC is continuously exploring new applications of wireless power including the Ki standard for cordless kitchen appliances.